For a decade and a half, fifth-grade students at Dawson-Bryant Elementary have worked diligently to help beautify the annual Christmas displays at Paul Porter Park.

Students in this year’s class, along with past classes who have participated in this event, should be proud of their efforts.

Although this could simply be viewed as a class project, the labor and creations that adorn a Christmas tree by the students at the Jae Roush building at Paul Porter Park provide much more.

This not only affords the students to delve into their creative sides, but this instills a keen awareness of community.

The event also features a finished product the students can display to friends, family and other residents of not only the Coal Grove community, but those visiting from other communities.

In a season when joy and giving are at the forefront, it is important to instill these traits and allow them to be the example for others.

At the same time, it goes a step farther assisting our youth to have a better understanding of what the season of giving is really about and know first-hand the impact they can have in the community.

We applaud those students for their hard work on this project, as this is something of which the students, school district and community can be proud of.