CARSON CITY, Nev., August 25, 2025 – Nevada fourth-grade students are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., and light the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. An essay contest, announced by the U.S. Forest Service, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, and the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, will select one student to represent the Silver State at the national ceremony.
This year marks the first time the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as “The People’s Tree,” will be sourced from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The winner of the essay contest will be invited to the nation’s capital to read their winning submission and help light the tree alongside the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in December.
The contest theme, “Starry Skies to Neon Lights: Spirit of the Silver State,” encourages students to reflect on the state’s natural treasures. The essay topic asks students, “What would you like the country to know about Nevada’s national forest and public lands?”
“This is a unique opportunity for one of Nevada’s fourth graders to represent our great state on a national stage,” said Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, who will select the winning essay. “Nevada is home to some of the most stunning public lands in the country, and I’m proud that one of our young students will help share that story with the nation.”
Essay Contest Details:
- Eligibility: Open to all fourth-grade students residing in Nevada, including those who are homeschooled.
- Topic: What would you like the country to know about Nevada’s national forest and public lands?
- Format: Essays must be handwritten, signed by the student, and no more than 350 words.
- Deadline: Submissions are due by Monday, September 15.
Essays must be mailed or emailed along with a signed consent form. The winner will be notified in early October and will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., for themselves and three family members to attend the tree-lighting festivities.
For complete submission guidelines and more information, please visit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website.
In addition to the essay contest, Nevadans of all ages are invited to help create 10,000 handmade ornaments that will adorn the tree.
