OKLAHOMA CITY ? The “lotto tree” has lost out in the annual Christmas tree decorating event involving grade school students at the state Capitol.

A small artificial tree adorned with discarded lottery tickets by students at Westwood Elementary School was removed from the first floor of the Capitol over the weekend after it drew a lawmaker’s wrath.

Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Oklahoma City, said the tree was “inappropriate and distasteful.” He said he called the principal at Westwood, who apologized and asked the governor’s office to remove the tree.

Paul Sund, a spokesman for Gov. Brad Henry, said Henry’s office had nothing to do with decorating the tree and referred questions to Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Sherry Fair, spokeswoman for the school district, said teachers went to various convenience stores and got used lottery tickets, which were cut into various geometric shapes and placed on the tree.

“They had been studying about the lottery and understood that the lottery money benefits public schools,” Fair said. “They came up with a theme about the gift of education. Our children and our teachers did not intend to offend anyone.”