A student artist from Greenville ISD is taking her talent all the way to Austin! Harper Gonzales was selected to create an ornament for the Texas Capitol Christmas Tree, representing House District 2.
Each year, members of the Texas House of Representatives are invited to choose a constituent to create an ornament that highlights the unique history, culture, and spirit of their district. Representative Brent Money selected Harper and provided an ornament for House District 2, which will hang on the Texas Capitol Christmas Tree throughout the Christmas season, after connecting with Greenville ISD art teacher Jeff Jaco and expressing his interest in having a Greenville ISD student contribute to this statewide tradition.
Mr. Jaco said the opportunity immediately made him think of Harper.
“Harper is a very talented artist with an exceptional ability to create and represent Greenville and Hunt County,” he said. “When I asked her, she was excited but also nervous about making a mistake. In my class, we don’t make mistakes—we learn, we rise, and we grow. I always want my students to have confidence in themselves and their work.”
Harper took the ornament home on Monday and returned it Thursday with a design that beautifully captures Greenville’s historic character. Her ornament features Central Christian Church in downtown Greenville, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, along with imagery reflecting the area’s rich history in cotton production.
The finished piece will hang proudly in the Texas Capitol, representing the creativity, talent, and determination of Greenville ISD students. The Texas Capitol Christmas Tree will be on display throughout the holiday season for visitors from across the state to enjoy.
This story is provided by Greenville Independent School District. For media inquiries or further information, please contact the Communications Office at (903) 457-2500 or communications@greenvilleisd.com. Visit www.greenvilleisd.com for district updates.