VICKSBURG, Miss. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., yesterday visited the Vicksburg Warren School District’s Academy of Innovation where students presented him with individually-made ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree in his Washington, D.C., office. This is the fourth time that Wicker has invited a Mississippi school to create ornaments for his Washington office.

“I am looking forward to showcasing the work of these talented students from Vicksburg and Warren County,” Wicker said.  “Their creations display the important skills and techniques they have learned and help tell the story of Mississippi’s rich history and culture.”

The 7^th and 8^th grade students combined art, digital media, and technology to create ornaments based on the theme “Illuminated Innovation, A Chronicle of Culture and Creativity in Mississippi.” Each ornament depicts a Mississippian who made a valuable contribution to society, including artists, athletes, writers, innovators, and musicians.

Wicker credits his wife, Gayle, with the idea for the Christmas celebration. The project began as a way to affirm the importance of creative and visual arts in education.

Previous ornaments have been provided by Petal High School, Clinton High School, and Gulfport High School.

Click here to download photos.

Click here to view Senator Wicker’s remarks.