A day of celebration for a diverse crowd savoring an exciting moment in history. (Photo by Abby McMahon)
WESTFIELD- Fifteen-year-old Westfield High School sophomore Abby McCarthy got the opportunity of a lifetime when she was invited to attend the 2013 High School Presidential Inaugural Conference in Washington, D.C, a five day event starting on January 19.
After attending the National Young Leaders State Conference in Boston, McCarthy was invited to attend the High School Presidential Inauguration Conference along with 2,000 other scholars from the United States and Mexico, as well as students from a few European countries. Students stayed at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, where many of their events were held.
During the High School Presidential Inaugural Conference, held every four years in conjunction with the presidential inauguration, attendees learn about campaigning and the presidency, and attend the presidential swearing-in ceremony, where they are able to witness the President take the oath of office, as well as hear the inaugural address.
Starting in September, McCarthy began to raise money to attend the conference. Abby’s family held a tag sale, and raised $500. She also wrote letters to local politicians and businesses within the community, to rally their support. From their contributions, McCarthy raised an additional $1,000.
“The High School Presidential Inaugural Conference was a great experience. I now have a network of friends from all across the country” McCarthy said. “Learning about campaigning and the presidents cabinet opened my eyes to the world of politics”.
McCarthy’s father, Daniel McCarthy, said this opportunity was “a chance of a lifetime” and the memories she made will be with her “for the rest of her life”.
Attendees were also able to listen to keynote speakers including Dr. Condoleezza Rice and General Wesley Clark. The scholars also listened to a panel discussion from Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, who was one of the first to break the Watergate story, and veteran journalist Nick Clooney following a presentaion of the movie “All the President’s Men”.
On the night before leaving, McCarthy was able to attend the The Black Tie and Gown Gala Inaugural Celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, where the Space Shuttle Discovery is now kept, along with thousands of other aviation and space artifacts. McCarthy said it was fun “to get dolled up” and have a great time with all the new people she met at such an amazing place.
