Crapo, Risch Join Forest Service to Announce Salmon Student Selected to Help Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Washington, D.C.-- U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) announced Grace Benson, a fourth-grade student and the daughter of Jake and Tara Benson from Salmon, Idaho, has been selected as the winner of the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Youth Tree Lighter Essay Contest . Grace will represent Idaho in Washington, D.C., this December, where she will help light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree during the annual ceremony on the West Lawn of the Capitol. “Congratulations to Grace on being selected to represent Idaho in our nation’s capital,” said Crapo . “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.” “Congratulations to Salmon fourth grader Grace Benson for being selected as the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighter!,” said Risch . “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. 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.” "As a father of two, I take my responsibility as Forest Supervisor personally and seriously. The decisions we make today on our national forests will shape the experiences of generations to come, including Idaho’s children, like Grace," said Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Jon Word . "What stood out in Grace’s essay was her vivid portrayal of life in rural Idaho and her deep understanding of the strong connection Idahoans share with their public lands and seven national forests. We are proud of her accomplishment and look forward to her sharing her essay on the national stage." “I am so impressed by Grace's eloquent essay that highlights the natural features of our special town,” said Kristin Foss, Principal of FernWaters Charter . “The fact that she won this statewide contest demonstrates her innate talent and the Fernwaters staff's commitment to our vision for helping small town kids launch big life dreams.” “My hope is that every student knows their words have power, that they should share them with purpose, and that every voice matters,” said Meriah Baker, Teacher at FernWaters Charter . “Our stories are meaningful, our perspectives have value, and the world deserves to hear what we have to say.” Earlier this year, Senators Crapo and Risch invited fourth-grade students across Idaho to participate in a statewide essay contest answering the question, “Why are healthy forests and clean water in Idaho important?” The contest followed the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree theme, “Over the Rivers and Through the Woods,” and encouraged students to reflect on the importance of Idaho's natural resources. Grace's essay was selected through a review process conducted by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and the Idaho Forest Restoration Partnership in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. As the winner, Grace will travel to Washington, D.C., with three family members to participate in the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, where she will have the opportunity to read her essay and assist in lighting the tree alongside the Speaker of the House and other public officials. Background: Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, continuing the annual tradition of selecting a tree from a different national forest to serve as the People's Tree. The tree will be displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol throughout the holiday season, showcasing Idaho's natural beauty to visitors from across the country. The annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is expected to take place in early December 2026. Additional information about the tree and this year's festivities, including a whistlestop tour in select Idaho cities, will continue to be made available at www.uscapitolchristmastree.com .