Nov. 4, 2004 – Denetra M. Francis, a student at Charlotte Amalie High School on St. Thomas, will attend Presidential Classroom's Presidential Inaugural Program, Jan. 15-21, in Washington, D.C. Presidential Classroom provides high school juniors and seniors unprecedented access to the leaders who shape America's public policy, the organization said in a release.
During the weeklong program, the students interact with Washington insiders, including members of Congress, presidential appointees, senior military officials, business leaders and journalists. Students participate in the 55th Inauguration of the President of the United States, including a post-election analysis and mock presidential election. Additional program highlights include participation in pre-inaugural events, such as the inaugural parade and attendance at the presidential oath of office.
"Our students meet and question the people who make and shape our nation's policies. No other program melds leadership, academics and current events in such an appealing combination. Our students return home with a new perspective on American politics and the world," Jack Euechner, former congressman and president of the organization, said in the release.
In 1968, Presidential Classroom, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 civic education organization, began to prepare young leaders for responsible citizenship and provide outstanding high school students the chance to explore the political process firsthand, the release said. Aimed at high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, Presidential Classroom offers seven unique and challenging leadership development experiences, focusing on key issues such as business, media, science and technology, law and justice, national security and international relations. Through the assistance of leading corporations, foundations and individual donors, scholarships are available to exceptional students with financial need. For more information visit the Web site at www.presidentialclassroom.org .

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