Pacelli High School art students are making Christmas brighter at Home Federal Savings Bank.

Recently, the students braved low temperatures and a strong breeze to finish a holiday painting project.

Using tempera paints, the students brushed Christmas scenes on the exterior windows at 201 West Oakland Ave. in Austin.

"They did a great job," said their instructor, Everett Hays. "They designed it and they painted the scenes on all the windows."

Alainna Krzyzanowski designed the Christmas scenes. The scenes decorate the huge Home Federal panel windows of reflectorized glass.

The business, at the intersection of West Oakland Avenue and First Street NW, is a perfect venue for the students' art.

Nate Finney, deposit officer at Home Federal, couldn't resist entering it in the Home Federal Christmas decorating contest.

"There are 15 Home Federal institutions and this is the first time they have had a decorating contest," Finney said.

Inside the business, the teller windows are decorated with Christmas wrapping paper, presents are everywhere the eye scans and, in all, the financial institution has a very welcoming atmosphere.

"I think it's nice to have local students involved in something like this," said Finney.

The group of 13 students, includes four girls and nine boys from freshmen through seniors. Hays, their instructor, is in his fourth year at Pacelli High School.

What's at stake for the Pacelli students, who spent the equivalent of 12 class hours, painting the Home Federal windows?

"Mr. Hays has promised everyone an 'A' if we do a good job," said Grey Orth, a freshman.

And, Home Federal has promised a pizza party, Finney said.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com