(Washington, D.C.—November 21, 2008) The Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) has selected High Tech High School sophomore Melissa Santos as one of the outstanding high school students from across the country to take part in special ceremonies this January to honor the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, announced Principal Karol Brancato.

Santos, a resident of Union City, and other top scholars in the nation will participate in a five-day program called the Presidential Youth Inauguration Conference (PYIC), which allows young scholars to develop a profound comprehension of the American electoral process and those traditions that involve the presidential inaugurations.

“The [PYIC] will provide students with an opportunity to take part in historic events that coincide with the Inauguration of [Barack Obama as] the President of the United States,” notes Dr. Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the CYLC. “We certainly hope [the conference] will inspire the next generation of U.S. leaders.”

As Inaugural Scholars, Santos and her peers will witness this historic inauguration and the traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue firsthand. Afterward, these Inaugural Scholars have the honor of attending a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball, where they can meet famous politicians like former Vice President/environmental advocate Al Gore, Secretary of State General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), as well key congressional staffers, political experts, and White House officials. Santos and her peers might have a chance to rub shoulders with major presidential candidates, too. The itinerary includes tours of historic monuments and sites, roundtable discussions, debates, and other activities that emphasize democratic principles and the election.

A nonpartisan educational organization since 1985, the CYLC has encouraged more than 200,000 young high school scholars to reach their full leadership potential. Members of the U.S. Congress serve on the CYLC Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors and more than 50 embassies take part in the CYLC’s Honorary Board of Embassies.