An essay contest is underway that will allow for one fourth grade student from West Virginia to take part in a Christmas Tree lighting in Washington, D.C. Fourth graders across the state are invited to write an essay describing why they love West Virginia’s forests and public lands, incorporating the theme of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: “Endlessly Wild & Wonderful,” according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s office. This year, the tree that lights up the U.S. Capitol will be harvested in Randolph County from the Greenbrier Ranger District.