Student in fourth, fifth and sixth grades gathered outside the Cortez Police Department Tuesday to decorate its community Christmas tree, adding personal touches to the large blue-lighted tree.
Katie Uran’s class placed ornaments on the lower branches. When one student announced, “I’m going to go climb the tree,” adults reminded them to secure decorations but avoid climbing.
Organizers encouraged children to choose their own spots, calling it a “community tree” where ornaments could be placed freely.
“I want it like right there,” one child said while securing an ornament, while another asked, “Ms. Katie, can I put on my ornament?”
Other children pointed out where theirs landed. “My wreath is right there,” one said. Another added, “I got to hang this for one of my classmates.”
Some asked for help reaching higher branches. “I need your help, I’m the smallest in the class,” one said, prompting an adult to assist.
Children showed off ornaments and described designs they created, including wreaths, angels and stars.
The department invites families to hang weather-safe ornaments on the tree outside the station’s south lawn, continuing the tradition for a second year.
Lead 911 dispatcher Valerie Rendon suggested the idea. Empire Electric helped hang the blue lights, using a bucket lift to reach the treetop. Rendon watched from a window as children hung ornaments.
