Murkowski Announces Winner of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Contest
Soldotna Girl to Light ‘People’s Tree’ at Nation’s Capitol
Today Senator Murkowski announced Anna Kathleen DeVolld, a 5th grade student from Soldotna, as the winner of the 2015 Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Essay Contest. Anna will travel to Washington D.C., where she will have the honor of turning on the tree lights at the conclusion of a ceremony with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on December 2nd. Transportation and lodging will be provided through the non-profit organization Choose Outdoors, with the generous support of private donors.
Murkowski held the competition for Alaskan students ranging from Kindergarten through sixth grade, in which they had to answer in 100 words or less, “Why is it special to have a Christmas tree from Alaska?”
“I so enjoyed reading all of the submissions for the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Contest. Hundreds of students across the state submitted essays about why it is special to have a Christmas tree from Alaska at the nation’s Capitol. The holiday spirit is already alive and well in the many thoughtful, imaginative, and fun answers, which is what made it so difficult for me to choose only one winner. I am so proud of these young Alaskans and wish to thank everyone who took the time to submit essays.”
Anna DeVolld’s winning submission:
“A Christmas tree from the Chugach National Forest is a special symbol of Alaska to the nation. The tree lights display the Aurora Borealis, shimmering across the heavens. Tinsel resembles the Alaskan glaciers that sparkle day and night. Ornaments represent the wild Alaskan creatures that dot the forests, sky, and seas. A tall, colorful Christmas tree mirrors the towering Alaskan mountains. Evergreen needles symbolize the Alaskan's adventurous spirit that never fades. Strong spruce branches stand for Alaskan's freedom that survives despite troubles. Alaskan Christmas trees are special because they are a symbol of Alaskan pride.”
(Anna with the tree in Anchorage)
The Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a holiday tradition hosted by the Speaker of the House, the Architect of the Capitol, and the United States Forest Service that will take place on Wednesday, December 2, 2015. To learn more about the Capitol Christmas tree and other events, please visit the website http://www.capitolchristmastree.com/.
