SARATOGA SPRINGS – The horticulture class from the F. Donald Myers EducationCenter, 15 Henning Road, won first place for “the most creative floor tree” in this year’s Saratoga Festival of Trees.

The winning tree, created by Doug Fleischut/Ron Frisbee’s students, was decked with pine cones and seed packets and wrapped in grapevine. With the theme of “Sowing the Seeds of Agricultural Education,” the holiday fir stood out among the dozens of trees at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

“I was thrilled,” said Mr. Fleischut. “I’m really proud that the students were able to place this year. It really means a lot to them. It’s an excellent award for their efforts.”

Mr. Frisbee agreed and added, “It’s great for the students to see other design concepts too.”

Both teachers gave credit to Nicky Naushahi, the teaching assistant, who helped the students create the ornaments.

“She deserves credit for the design; her creativity and dedication set an invaluable example for our students,” said Mr. Fleischut of Ms. Naushahi who has helped the horticulture students from the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES often place in the event.

All the trees at the festival, including the one decorated by the WSWHE BOCES team, was sold to benefit Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.