Area students selected to attend Youth Inaugural Conference

By: David Hart | SCNow
Published: January 07, 2009

Two Myrtle Beach area high school students have been selected to travel to the nation's capital later this month to attend the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference.

Jasminn Johnson and Ryan Spraker are freshmen at Carolina Forest High School. Both will attend the conference in Washington, D.C. on January 17 - 21.

“The Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference will provide students with an opportunity to take part in historic events that coincide with the Inauguration of the President of the United States,” said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organization that sponsors PYIC. “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 our country over the next four years. We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of U.S. leaders.”

According to a news release, Inaugural Scholars will have the opportunity to interact with a major presidential candidate, White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts and other VIPs, such as former Secretary of State, General Colin L. Powell,, and former Vice President Al Gore. After witnessing the inauguration, scholars will experience the grandeur of the inaugural parade, as the president, vice president and their families make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol Building to the White House. To further honor and celebrate Inauguration Day, scholars will attend a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball.

According to the release, in addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, scholars will have the opportunity to explore the numerous historic sites and monuments in our nation’s capital, as well as participate in roundtable discussions, debates and other activities that will help to expand their knowledge of democratic principles and the presidential election process.

For additional information, visit www.cylc.org/pyic.