WAUSAU − An eighth-grade student from John Muir Middle School had the opportunity to speak at the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at the state Capitol in Madison.

Ellie Mason delivered a speech and lit the tree, named "The Learning Tree," alongside Gov. Tony Evers, according to a community announcement.

“When I imagine The Learning Tree, I picture a tree with many branches, sticking out in every direction, each one helping me climb a little higher," Ellie said during her speech. "The tree is strong with many branches, each one supporting the others. That’s what school feels like to me."

She spoke about the importance of the support system at her school, mentioning teachers, custodians, principals, nurses, office staff, paraprofessionals and cafeteria workers.

Ellie said the "Year

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