HHS freshman chosen to attend inauguration

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Rebecca Joy of Hartselle is among an outstanding group of high school students from across the United States who will take part in the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.
As a member of the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC), the Hartselle High School freshman will spend five days in the nation’s capitol as an Inaugural Scholar.
She will have the opportunity to interact with the new president, congressional staff members, political experts and other VIPs, such as Gen. Colin Powell USA (Ret.) and former Vice President Al Gore. After witnessing the inauguration of Barack Obama, she will experience the grandeur of the inaugural parade, as the president, vice president and their families make their way down Pennsylvania Ave from the Capitol Building to the White House. She will also be a guest that evening at a black tie gala Inaugural Ball.
In addition, she and her fellow scholars will have the opportunity to explore the numerous historic sites and monuments in the nation’s capital, as well as to participate in roundtable discussions, debates and other activities that will help to expand their knowledge of democratic principles and the presidential election process.
The daughter of Dr. James and Carolyn Joy, Rebecca’s selection as a PYIC scholar stems from her participation in a National Young Leaders State Conference (sponsored by CYLC) in 2007.
CYLC is a nonpartisan, independent, educational organization, founded in 1985 to inspire young people to achieve their full leadership potential.