Virginia City Fourth Grader Wins Essay Contest to Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA — A Storey County elementary student has earned the honor of representing Nevada in Washington, D.C., after winning the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest.
Grady Armstrong Selected
Out of more than 250 student entries statewide, Grady Armstrong, a fourth grader at Hugh Gallagher Elementary, was announced as the winner for his essay titled “Starry Skies to Neon Lights: Spirit of the Silver State.”
Grady will travel to Washington this December to help light “Silver Belle,” the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and read his essay during the ceremony.
Surprise Announcement
The news was delivered in Grady’s classroom by Smokey Bear and Garrett Tamagni, rural liaison for Nevada Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony.
“He’ll make a great ambassador for our state when he helps to light Silver Belle,” Lt. Gov. Anthony said, praising the student’s achievement and the pride he will bring to Nevada.
Historic Year for Nevada
For the first time in the 55-year history of the Capitol Christmas Tree program, the “People’s Tree” will come from Nevada. This year’s tree is sourced from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the largest national forest in the lower 48 states.
The contest was jointly sponsored by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Nevada Pride on a National Stage
The selection marks a milestone for Nevada, with residents celebrating the opportunity to showcase the Silver State’s natural beauty and young talent on a national platform.
Do you think having Nevada’s tree in Washington will bring more attention to the Silver State’s forests and outdoor treasures? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
