Off to see the President

(CNS): Two local students will be among the millions witnessing the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. Brendon Lyons II, UCCI alumnus and undergraduate at Kings College, and Victor Crumbley, currently studying at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), will join the millions of people that are expected to descend on Washington DC for this monumental event in United States history.

According to the UCCILyons was invited to attend the prestigious University Presidential Inaugural Conference, along with other outstanding university students from around the world. Lyons was selected based on his past attendance and performance at the Global Young Leaders Conference run by the same organisation.

UCCI is sponsoring Lyons with partial coverage of the cost for the conference tuition. In addition to witnessing the ceremonies and parade, participants will also experience other conference events, including meeting members of Congress, White House officials, presidential historians and political leaders, such as former Vice President Al Gore. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit historic sites and attend a black-tie gala inaugural ball.

UCCI representative Leigh Smellie said, “This is a truly wonderful opportunity that will allow for a deeper understanding of the history of the electoral process in the US and to have discourse with students from different countries. It will, no doubt, be a source of inspiration and UCCI is pleased to lend its support.”

Crumbley decided to seize his opportunity to attend the ceremony and has made his own plans to travel to the nation’s capital. Crumbley grew up in the US but, having missed the opportunity to participate in the elections there this year, he knew that he wanted to be a part of this incredible milestone to show his support for the new president.

Reflecting on his decision, Crumbley said, “I wrestled with missing classes and the week away but, after getting feedback from others, lecturers included, the positive response made it clearer that I should go. It’s one day of my life, but a day that will be forever immortalized throughout the pages of history books”. Crumbley also expressed his desire to share his experience with students upon his return.