Young Idahoans Asked To Help Light The Capitol Christmas Tree

Idaho 4th graders have a chance to help light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree this December. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are holding a statewide essay contest to select one Idaho student as the Tree Lighting Helper.

Essay Requirements

This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree comes from Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and will stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol after Thanksgiving. Interested 4th graders are asked to write a 350-to-500-word original essay answering: “Why are healthy forests and clean water in Idaho important?”

The contest runs through September 30th, and submissions must:

adhere to the word limit
be received by the closing date of the contest
be an original essay written by the contest participant
certify the essay is not originated by AI
have approval of a parent or guardian to participate.

Click Here for a submission form.

Students Asked To Focus On Idaho's Natural Resources

“Idaho’s fourth graders have a special opportunity to share what the Gem State’s forests and clean water mean to them while competing for the chance to help light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Crapo. “I invite students across Idaho to participate and tell us, in their own words, why protecting these treasured resources matters for Idaho’s future. This year’s tree from the Nez Perce-Clearwater Forests will showcase the remarkable beauty of Idaho and the natural resources making our state such an extraordinary place to call home.”

“Idaho’s youth is blessed to grow up and explore some of the best forests in the country,” said Risch. “This year, I encourage Idaho’s fourth graders to write about the importance of these lands and resources for the opportunity to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which has been selected from Idaho’s own Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.”

The winner and three family members will receive airfare and hotel accommodations for a trip to Washington, D.C., where the student will read the winning essay at the tree-lighting ceremony.

For additional details about this year's contest, or FAQ, visit Senator Crapo's Website, or a the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Website.

Click Here to submit and essay.

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