USD students to have ornaments on display

Students from the University of South Dakota (USD) will see ornaments that they designed be part of the 94th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting display at the White House at President's Park in Washington, D.C.

The university's Student Art Alliance was chosen as a representative of South Dakota for the display.

“We are honored to be representing South Dakota and the National Parks Service,” Student Art Alliance President Epiphany Knedler said. “It has been exciting to visually represent South Dakota’s unique landscape on both sides of the river.”

Ornaments depicting South Dakota's landscapes were designed by Knedler and Sophia Wermers from Vermillion, South Dakota. The ornaments used in the display were all handcrafted and will hang on 56 different trees, which will represent each state in the U.S. as well as each of the territories and the District of Columbia.

The trees, which are part of the "American Celebrates," will be displayed from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1.

The Student Art Alliance at USD, comprised of students who are interested in fine arts, will join local artists from each state, territory and D.C. in the designing of ornaments for the display.