In January, Cameron Seward, an eighth-grader at Fort Settlement Middle School,
along with other outstanding middle school students from across the United
States, took part in a truly American celebration
—the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States.
Cameron spent five days at the Junior Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference,
which provided him with a deeper understanding of the history behind the
electoral process and the rich traditions surrounding the presidential
inauguration.
Cameron, along with other Junior Inaugural Scholars, had the opportunity to
interact with a major presidential candidate, White House officials,
congressional staff members, political experts and other VIPs such as Colin
Powell, Al Gore and Erik Weihenmayer. After watching the inauguration, Cameron
experienced the grandeur of the inaugural parade, as the president, vice
president and their families made their way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the
Capitol Building to the White House.
To further honor and celebrate Inauguration Day, the scholars attended a Gala
Inaugural Ball.
“I was very excited to have the opportunity to be in Washington, D.C., during
this historic inauguration,
” said Seward.
“The Junior Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference provided students with an
opportunity to take part in historic events that coincided 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 JrPYIC.
“Something that was really wonderful about so many young people gathering in
Washington, D.C., for this event is that it gave 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.
”
In addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, Cameron and
the scholars explored the numerous historic sites and monuments in the nation
’s capital and participated in activities designed to expand their knowledge of
democratic principles and the presidential election process.
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