Mayor Percy Bland got a little help from St. Patrick’s Catholic School third grade students while decorating the official City Hall Christmas tree.

Students traveled Dec. 9 to Meridian City Hall to help decorate the Mayor’s Christmas Tree with ornaments they made in class. The classroom project featured colorful Christmas stars and popsicle-stick snowmen. Lindi Palmer,

Lindi Palmer, third grade teacher at St. Patrick’s, said the students enjoyed making the homemade art to be displayed on the tree.

“We are so proud to have local students decorate the City Hall Christmas Tree,” Bland said. “It has become an annual tradition among elementary school students and our goal is to get them active in the community and to have a part in celebrating the City’s holiday events.”

The 12-foot Douglas Fir tree was chosen by Bland and his family at Knight’s located on Highway 39 North.

Blalock attains Eagle rank

Forrest Blalock, of Decatur, son of Spencer and Holley Blalock, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America on Dec. 7.

He was awarded the honor by his leaders with Troop 100 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Meridian. Less than two percent of young men that become Boy Scouts achieve this rank.

Blalock’s Eagle Scout Project was to collect donations from the community and prepare comfort bags for children who enter into foster care.

Suzanne Marshall writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to editor@themeridianstar.com.