In January 2013, High School Inaugural Scholars were invited to our nation’s capital for a unique and extraordinary opportunity to explore the presidency and the presidential campaigns and take part in the excitement and celebration of America’s 57th Presidential Inauguration. As part of the National Youth Leadership Program, East Meadow High School junior Adena Baichan was given the honor of attending this prestigious event this past January. The High School Presidential Inaugural Conference is held in Washington, D.C. every four years in conjunction with the formal Inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States.
For five days, Adena attended workshops that provided insight into how the government operates. She also had the opportunity to listen to famous guest speakers that included national journalists, government officials and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In addition, Adena received the privilege of attending one of the inaugural balls held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Adena admitted that the highlight of the conference was witnessing President Obama deliver his inaugural speech on the National Mall. “It was surreal to see him actually give his inaugural speech,” Adena stated. “There are no words to express how it felt to watch history in the making.”
Adena is an editor of the school newspaper and plans to study journalism in college. She explained that the conference has pushed her to work harder in order to make a career in journalism become a reality.
↧