TAMA NEWS-HERALD





Editor’s Note:

Kylie Willson’s great grandmothers are Betty Smith, Tama, and Pricilla Willson, Toledo. Her grandparents are Jerry and Vickie Martin, Montour, Kenny Craig Willson, Marshalltown and Ray and Grace Kubik, Walker. Her parents are Brent and Melea Willson, Walker.

(SPECIAL-Walker, Iowa) – Kylie Willson, a freshman at Center Point – Urbana High School, is one of a few students in Iowa to be accepted by The Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC) that will be held in Washington, D. C. from January 17-21, 2009, to attend the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.

From the time Willson received the invitation letter a couple of months ago, her parents, Brent and Melea said there was “no question” she would go, even though they had no idea who would win the election.

“The Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference will provide students with an opportunity to take part in historic events that coincide with the Inauguration of the President of the United States,” said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), the organization that sponsors PYIC.

“Something that is really wonderful about so many young peoplegathering in Washington, D. C. for this event is that it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern our country over the next four years. We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of the U.S. leaders.”

Kylie was nominated to attend the National Young Leaders State Conference one year ago by her seventh grade teacher in recognition of her achievements in academics, leadership andcitizenship. Alumni of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council and National Youth Leadership Forum are exclusively invited to attend the Inaugural Conference events and activities.

In order to attend, Kylie was required to raise funds for the cost of tuition and transportation. Kylie-has worked hard all summer babysitting and mowing lawns to raise the money for this historic event.

“I am very excited to represent the youth of our great nation in this historic event. This is a chance of a life time and I am going to make the most of it. I will represent Center Point, Iowa and the United States of America with great honor while attending this conference. I plan on recording my activities and reporting back to all who are interested.

The CYLC is a nonpartisan, independent, educational organization. Since 1985, the Council hasinspired more than 200,000 young people to achieve their full leadership potential. For moreinformation, please visit their website at \mww.cyic.org/pyic.

Although Kylie was nominated for this historic event it is the nominee’s responsibility to pay for 100 percent of the trip expenses.

Anyone interested in making donations toward this historic event can make donations t oKeystone Bank in Center Point owa with the donations made to Kylie Willson







Kyllie Wilson introduces herself:



“Hello, my name is Kylie Willson from Walker Iowa. I attend Center Point Urbana High School where I am a freshman.

“I have been involved in many extra-curricular activities some of these include; softball, basketball, Youth Group, Confirmation, and so many others.

“Some leisure activities I also enjoy are hunting, riding my four-wheeler, shopping and spending time with my friends.

“This year I am in softball, basketball, Spanish Club, Honor Roll, and Youth Group. School is also very important to me. I spend so much time studying and get the best grades that I can. The end of the quarter was a few weeks ago, and being a freshman I didn’t know when the nominated honor roll was posted.

“Well, come to find out I made Presidential Honor Roll, with a 3.9 GPA. This year, 2008, has been really exciting for me.

“I was nominated by one of my teachers to attend the NYLSC which is National Young Leaders State Conference held in Des Moines in February, 2008. This was a great experience. I learned how to sharpen my leadership skills, effective decision making skills, and time management skills. This really helped me as I entered high school this year.

“Little did I know the fun had just begun! In June, 2008, I received a letter from PYIC which is Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference.”

This letter stated; “It is our privilege to congratulate you on your invitation to attend the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference. As an alumna of the NYLSC, you are one of the few select students invited to attend this unique experience. For five days, you will take part in activities commemorating the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. January, 2009. You will be able to witness and gain a deeper understanding of the history behindthe electoral process and be inspired by the richness of tradition surrounding the inauguration. Kylie, you will witness the presidential inauguration, be inspired by key note speakers like Colin Powell and Al Gore, and you will attend a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball.



Thank you for your time. I hoped you learned a little more about me and PYIC—





Kylie Willson