Virginia City's Grady Armstrong Leads the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

After winning a Nevada state-wide essay competition, Virginia City fourth grader Grady Armstrong was awarded with lighting the Christmas tree in America's Capitol City. Not only did Armstrong make his hometown and the Silver State proud, he also wowed the crowded and many who watched the broadcast of the well-spoken 10-year-old.

A student of Hugh Gallagher Elementary School in Virginia City, Armstrong's essay was filled with imagery of exploring Nevada's national parks and public lands with his family, while camping, hiking, and stargazing.

An essay contest was open to fourth graders across the state, offering them to submit an essay for a chance to light the "People's Tree' at the U.S. Capitol. Kids were prompted to write a 350 word essay on the topic, "What would you like the country to know about Nevada's national forests and public lands?" and Armstrong was selected as the contest winner.

Wearing a suit, tie, and a cowboy hat, Armstrong stood before a large crowd in Washington D.C. and delivered his essay with poise and class, making Virginia City proud. His parents are both active in our local community - Armstrong's mother, Rhianna is a school teacher in Virginia City, and his father Brent is a firefighter in Lake Tahoe.

For the first time in history, the People's Tree was sourced from Nevada

Another reason for Nevadans to proud of the event is this year's Christmas tree was sourced from Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, 30 minutes away from Virginia City. It was the first time that Nevada provided the official U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. Nicknamed "Silver Belle," the 53-foot Red Fir traveled across the country, more than 3,000 miles, all the way to the east coast.

The 2025 U.S. Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony was a memorable and historic event for Nevada and Virginia City, and one that Grady Armstrong will never forget!

Watch Grady Armstrong deliver his contest-winning essay in Washington D.C.