Local student gets invited to attend Presidential Inauguration

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St. Paul School eighth-grader Alan Green, son of Jeff and Tamara Green of Weirton, has been invited to attend the Inauguration of Barack Obama, who will become the 44th president of the United States in January.

Students will participate in a five-day program from Jan. 17 through Jan. 21 aimed at helping them gain a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and traditions surrounding the presidential inauguration.

"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," stated Marguerite Regan, dean of academic affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council.

Fourteen-year-old Alan Green was nominated to participate in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference two years ago by his teacher Veronica Kobulnicky.

"It is because of his participation in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference that he even had the chance to be picked, even though the students are chosen randomly," said mother Tamara Green. "They also take academics and maturity into consideration."

Alan Green is an honor student who has made the principal's list on several occasions and participates in a number of local organizations.

Green is an altar server at Sacred Heart of Mary's Church and St. Paul's Church, plays on two Weirton soccer teams, which he says is his favorite sport, enjoys playing golf and tennis, and is also a member of the Tri-State Young Marines.

"The Young Marines are a non-profit, drug-free organization that teaches us how important it is to strengthen the youth of America," said Green.

He said that he also loves to travel with his parents and 11-year-old brother Matthew because it gives them an opportunity to meet new people and see new places.

Alan said he is excited to be able to attend such an historical event in the nation's history. He has previously visited Washington, D.C. on field trips and vacations and said he can't wait to return.

"There's just so much history and it all changes so quickly," said Green.

He stated his favorite place to visit is the Library of Congress, but he is looking forward to seeing the monuments as well.

Students will get to participate in topical debates, have private access to The Smithsonian Institute, go to the Inaugural parade, visit monuments and museums, witness the Inauguration, and attend the Back Tie Inaugural Ball.

Guest speakers for the conference are expected to include former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Vice President Al Gore.

"I'm really looking forward to hearing them speak and the whole experience really," said Green.

Tamara Green stated the cost of the trip is approximately $4,000. There were several different ways the money could have been raised to allow their son to attend the inauguration, including sponsors and scholarships.

"We went the sponsor route because we really wanted him to be able to experience this event," she said.

The Green family said the have placed a personal thank you to each individual business and personal sponsor who helped Alan get to the Inauguration to run in the newspaper.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)