INDIANAPOLIS - A 7-year-old Coatesville girl will flip the switch at the 50th anniversary of the Circle of Lights downtown Friday.

Brilyne Schmitz, a second-grader at Elim Learning Center in Clayton, had her drawing chosen from more than 2,500 entries based on her colorful rendition of Monument Circle's festive holiday scene, complete with toy soldiers and Santa.

New this year, kids ages 13 through 18 were asked to write an essay about the value of community tradition.

Winners Taylor Allen, 17, a senior at Perry Meridian High School; Hannah Austin, 16, a junior at Zionsville Community High School; and Paige Waterstreet, 17, a senior at Zionsville Community High School will each receive $1,000 college savings accounts.

RTV6 is proud to be home of the 50th anniversary of the Circle of Lights presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481.

A one-hour Circle of Lights Talent Search will air on Thanksgiving night at 7 p.m., including a behind-the-scenes look at the audition process.

Flipping the switch at the Circle of Lights® will take place on Friday, with thousands of people packing Monument Circle to celebrate. The monument lighting will air live on RTV6 and HTSN, and it will be streamed at TheIndyChannel.com and on our mobile apps on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.