January 20, 2008 Link student selected to attend  Presidential Inauguration Link 7th grader Oscar Gomez received a scholarship from the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC) to attend their conference, along with 2000 other students from across the country, and witness first-hand the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. The PYIC, a youth leadership program sponsored by the non profit, non partisan Congressional Youth Leadership Council Foundation, is designed to “educate, motivate and inspire students by giving then a deeper understanding of the electoral history of the United States, as well as their role in democracy.” Oscar received the scholarship to attend based on his achievement and leadership potential. Oscar Gomez was really excited to be chosen to attend the U.S. Presidential Inauguration. He met up with 2000 “scholars” selected for their achievement and leadership potential from all over the United States on the Saturday before the inauguration. Meeting as a large group, they were introduced to their guidance counselors who would provide supervision during their stay in Washington and to each other through “icebreakers” and other activities. They also viewed a documentary about leadership. As part of the event’s activities, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), former Secretary of State and Founder of America’s Promise Alliance addressed the scholars, exhorting students not to focus on their past but to think about what they can do in the future. Al Gore, former Vice President of the U.S. and Nobel Prize Winner spoke to students about the obstacles and issues facing the nation and world now: the economic crisis and global warming. On Inauguration Day, Oscar and his fellow scholars, proceeded to the Mall and stood right by the Washington Monument to watch the ceremony on a Jumbotron. While not right in front of the ceremonial area, Oscar felt the excitement of being a part of history in the making. He heard people all around him expressing their feelings about the day: some Obama protesters, some who were cautionary about what Obama might be able to achieve in office and others who were truly optimistic about the future. Also during the conference the scholars had the opportunity to research and report on the former Presidents of the U.S. Scholars were divided into groups ---and Oscar’s assignment was former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the U.S. Oscar stated that he really learned a lot about him as a person and a president. It was a very worthwhile project. Oscar considers this event the opportunity of a life time and according to the PYIC, he will be invited to return for the next inauguration four years hence. Oscar was thrilled “to be there…to be a part of history.” He now believes that “anyone can be president, no matter what race…anything is possible.” He also feels that the people of the country “can all unite. We can live peacefully with each other.” “And,” says Oscar, “I know now that I could strive to be the first Hispanic President of the United States.”