8-year-old Henrico girl’s ornament is on White House tree

Katie Schools' vision of Virginia is hanging on the Christmas tree of America's first family.

First lady Laura Bush presented the White House Christmas tree today on national television, and Katie's ornament was singled out on several morning programs.

The 8-year-old Henrico County girl depicted a cardinal (her school mascot as well as the state bird), dogwood blossom and the Blue Ridge Mountains, in keeping with the national theme of red, white and blue.

Her talents are more remarkable considering she has limited vision and was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was 1. She has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments and endured several surgeries.

Katie was asked by U.S. Rep. Eric I. Cantor to represent the 7th Congressional District on the tree. She is the youngest artist chosen this year.

"I am so pleased that first lady Laura Bush selected Katie's ornament to highlight while showcasing the White House Christmas Tree. Like all of us, Mrs. Bush recognizes Katie's extraordinary talents and passion for art," Cantor said.

Katie, a second-grader at Shady Grove Elementary School in Henrico, began painting the globe in August.

"Katie loves art, and this was right up her alley," said her mother, Susan Schools. "She always gives 110 percent to what she's doing."

She has excelled in art classes, learned to ride a bike, and is learning to play lacrosse.

Katie attended a White House reception yesterday for the artists.

"I was excited that I got to do it and got to see it. I liked where it was on the tree. It was at eye level," she said. "I like that I got to see Mrs. Bush a lot and to see the White House decorated all pretty." Contact Lisa Crutchfield at (804) 649-6362 or .