Published: November 17, 2008 04:56 pm      

Students to attend presidential inauguration

Two Godley Middle School students will attend President-elect Barack Obama’s Inauguration on Jan. 20, in Washington D.C.

Christian Oliveira and Haley Briggs, both eighth-graders, were invited to attend the Junior Presidential Inauguration Conference to learn more about the history and traditions of the electoral process.

Oliveira, president of the National Junior Honor Society at Godley Middle School, and Briggs will stay at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center about a mile away from D.C., said Marta Oliveira, Christian’s mother.

As junior inaugural scholars, the two will have the opportunity to interact with White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts and other important political figures, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Vice President Al Gore. They have invitations to the Gala Inaugural Ball and will tour D.C. during the trip.

Marta Oliveira said her son is “very much interested in politics and history,” and he looks forward to seeing history made.

Both Oliveira and Briggs attended a National Junior Youth Leaders conference a little more than a year ago after being nominated by their teachers at Godley Middle School, she said, and were re-invited for the presidential Inauguration last spring. They both did fundraising together and individually to raise the money needed to attend, Marta said.

“Something that is really wonderful about so many young people gathering in Washington, D.C. for this event is that it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern over our country over the next four years,” said Marguerite Regan, dean of academic affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, in a press release. “We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of U.S. leaders.”