Monarch students trim city Christmas tree in preparation for tonight's lighting

A Rochester Public Works employee helps a Monarch student place an ornament on the city's Christmas tree. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Students from the Monarch School of New England trimmed and decorated the downtown Christmas Tree on Sunday with assistance from the Department of Public Works.

For the past several years, students have created decorations and assisted with the tree. According to Lisa Clark, Public Works, staff looks forward to the event every year.

"We love working with the kids to hang their handmade decorations," said Clark. "We thank the Monarch School of New England for making the downtown Christmas Tree so colorful and vibrant. We also want to recognize their fantastic staff members for the work they do for the community."

The Monarch School of New England brings individuals with intellectual, physical, medical, and behavioral disabilities into the mainstream of everyday life. Their mission is to support individuals with special needs so they can realize their greatest potential.