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James Lipscomb goes to Washington
* Fort Scott youth to attend inaugural events at the Capitol.
James Lipscomb will be attending the 2009 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, and not even hazardous weather that almost caused him to miss his flight at the airport will stop him.
As part of the Congress-ional Youth Leadership Council, Lipscomb was invited to attend the in-auguration on Jan. 20.
Lipscomb is making the trip to the nation's Capitol to participate in the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference, which is coordinated by the CYLC. The 16-year-old Fort Scott High School junior is one of only 67 high school students from Kansas who will be attending the five-day conference in Washington D.C.
The conference is created to enlighten students about the roles they play in the democracy of the United States, according to the CYLC Web site, www.cylc.org.
"PYIC provides high-achieving alumni of the Congressional Youth Leader-ship Council and the National Youth Leadership Forum an opportunity to witness the responsibilities of leadership while commemorating a truly historic event -- the Presidential inauguration," the Web site said. "Through interaction with the congressional staff, national journalists, leading decision makers, renowned scholars and military leaders, PYIC scholars receive direct experience and guidance that cannot be found in textbooks."
While in Washington, D.C., Lipscomb will be attending private inaugural events and activities. During these activities, Lipscomb will have the opportunity to listen to a speech by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. In addition, former Vice President of the United States Al Gore will speak at the event, according to Lipscomb's mother Millie.
"It's just an incredible experience to be able to sit next week and listen to Al Gore and Colin Powell," Millie said. "A lot of people would never have this opportunity."
According to the Web site, the CYLC program is only available to students who excel in both education and community involvement.
"Each student is selected for nomination based upon academic achievement or classroom surveys, as well as by distinguished educators, mentors or CYLC program alumni, ensuring that every participant possesses the drive and determination to emerge as a future and world leader," the Web site said.
Lipscomb was nominated for participation in the program by Fort Scott High School Gifted Education teacher Diana Endicott. Since being accepted into the program, Lipscomb has participated in various CYLC activities such as round tables and discussions with national leaders. According to Millie, one of Lipscomb's most memorable CYLC functions was participating in a mock debate in the chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Lipscomb has been invited to attend various conferences such as an CYLC conference about law at which he could have visited with the top lawyers in the country and participated in a debate.
The law conference would have helped Lipscomb observe law in action.
However, attending the presidential inauguration held the most interest for him, and he hopes he can get close enough to the new president to take a picture, Millie said.
"He's been very excited," she said.
Recent news that Lipscomb will be attending a music concert at the Lincoln Memorial has added to his excitement about the conference, according to his mother. Performers at the concert will include: Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder.
Millie said Lipscomb's participation in the CYLC has been extremely beneficial for him.
"It is absolutely an honor," Millie said. "The conferences are opening doors for him at such a young age that other people will never experience."
Lipscomb was traveling to Washington, D.C., as of press time and was therefore unavailable for comment.