Fourth-grader recites winning essay at National Christmas Tree ceremony in Salmon

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) – One lucky fourth-grader welcomed the National Christmas Tree to Salmon Wednesday, reading her award-winning essay to a cheering crowd.

Grace Benson won a statewide contest to accompany the tree to Washington, D.C. She will serve as the Tree Lighting Helper at a special ceremony on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the first week in December.

This year's tree, a 76-foot-tall Englemann spruce, was harvested from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

“Congratulations to Grace on being selected to represent Idaho in our nation’s capital,” said U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, (R)-Idaho in a release. “Her essay highlights the importance of Idaho’s forests, clean water and the connection Idahoans share with our state’s natural resources. This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree is a special opportunity to share Idaho’s natural beauty with the nation, and Grace will play an important role in that celebration.”

Grace wrote about “Why healthy forests and clean water in Idaho are important.”

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, (R)-Idaho also congratulated the fourth-grader.

“Your deep love of Idaho’s forests, water, and resources is a testament to the important role public lands play in our way of life,” Risch said. “I look forward to joining you and the tree selected from Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Washington, D.C. later this year.”

National Christmas Tree 'Whistlestop Tour'

The public is invited to see the tree Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

The tree’s final stop in Idaho, will be at the Idaho Falls Public Library’s “From the Forest to the Falls” event.

The tree will visit nine other states on its journey to Washington D.C.