Local teen to attend her second inauguration

WASILLA — When millions of people are watching President-elect Barack Obama being sworn in Jan. 20, Colony High School senior Jessica Lopez will be there live and in person.

Lopez, who has been active with the National Junior Honor Society since middle school, will attend the Youth Inaugural Conference in Washington, D.C. She was nominated to represent her school by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. Lopez will cover her own expenses during the trip.

In the nation’s capital, she’ll have the chance to interact with former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Vice President Al Gore.

Lopez will also get private access to roundtable discussions with national journalists, meetings with congressional staff and other VIP events.

She’ll also network with like-minded high school students who are getting a special chance to participate in the inauguration.

On Monday, Lopez said it’s all about getting involved.

“If people can, they should try to join the National Junior Honor Society or other groups like that,” Lopez said.

And this isn’t Lopez’s first inauguration: She got to attend the inauguration of President George W. Bush in 2000.

It all comes from recommendations from teachers and counselors, which paved the way to be admitted to the Junior National Youth Leadership Conference.

Being in that group led Lopez to her involvement with inaugural conferences.

While she’s in Washington, Lopez will participate in topical debates with political analysts, and an Inauguration Day celebration that includes private access to the Smithsonian Institute, witnessing the inauguration and a view of the president’s and vice president’s motorcade.

For Lopez, the experience of it all is what she’s looking forward to.

“I’m looking forward to having Al Gore and Colin Powell come talk to us personally,” she said.

That, and the camaraderie that comes with the trips as new friends are made and connections forged.

“You always meet new people when you go on trips,” Lopez said.

Being a participant in inaugural conferences has had some impact on Lopez’s career ambitions.

She hopes to become a lawyer, and has even looked into the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Before that, though, Lopez said she’s just happy to be there in person for such a significant event.

“It’s history in the making.”