Souderton Area High School students choose Christmas tree for Vice President Kamala Harris’ home

Twenty-five Souderton Area High School students got the opportunity Friday, Oct. 4 to select a Christmas tree for the home of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Among hundreds of trees on Bustard Christmas Tree’s Lehighton farm, an 11-foot-tall Turkish fir was the students’ unanimous choice, citing its size, color, symmetry and shine.

“The one that we picked had a really nice shine to it, a nice green color; it was a good height as well,” said senior Chaya Thomas.

The tree selection was preceded by a series of educational presentations on environmental science, including soil mapping, genetic research and natural farming methods.

“It was really interesting being able to apply what we learned about the different types of Christmas trees and picking something that will shine for the vice president,” said Thomas.

    Students learn about Christmas tree cultivation from Dr. Rick Bates, a Penn State University horticulture professor, and Beth Bossio, a Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association board member.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

The Lansdale-based farm, which is celebrating its 95th year this year, was selected by the National Christmas Tree Association to provide a real Christmas tree for the home of Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

“It’s an honor for us, but more importantly, it validates the quality of work that our employees do,” said Jay Bustard, a partner at the farm. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have a tree that would be good enough to go to the vice president’s house.”

    Bustard Christmas Tree’s Lehighton farm was selected in 2015 to choose a tree for the White House.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

Bustard’s relationship with Souderton Area High School began in 2015 when a student wrote a story about the farm providing a tree for the White House. Impressed, Bustard invited the student to the White House for the tree presentation and introduced her to Michelle Obama.

“Michelle Obama walked right up to her and said, ‘I think you want to interview me,’” said Bustard. “So from there on out, I’ve had a relationship with the students.”

 Students examine Christmas trees.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

    Students vote on a Christmas tree.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

As the trip wound down, the students expressed a greater appreciation for Christmas tree cultivation.

“It was cool to see how much effort goes into the production of Christmas trees because it’s something that people get once a year, forget about it, and don’t think about the behind-the-scenes aspect of it,” said junior Aubrey Gahman.

“It’s really interesting to learn that something normally people wouldn’t give two thoughts about is a lifestyle for so many people,” said junior Julia Sipes. “I didn’t realize how much goes into making the trees sustainable and healthy.”

Bustard, a former teacher, said that he takes pleasure in using the tree selection as an educational opportunity.

“I appreciate Souderton High for letting these kids out, because a lot of schools are curtailing field trips,” said Bustard. “If we can do anything to further the students’ education, that’s our job as adults.”

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