Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Every four years, the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) invites student leaders from across the country to attend one historic event the inauguration of the president of the United States as members of the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC). This year could potentially mark a historic event for one Westfield High School student as she may witness the inauguration of the first female or first African American president. Naomi Orcutt, a sophomore at Westfield High School and 2004 alumnus of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) has been invited to attend the 2009 inauguration ceremony as a member of the PYIC. In 2004, Orcutt was nominated to participate in JrNYLC by two of her teachers as one of the hundreds of sixth and seventh grade students exemplifying extraordinary leadership qualities. In an interview with Reminder Publications, Orcutt said since attending JrNYLC she's received numerous offers to attend other conferences in Boston, Vienna, Budapest and Prague. However, she added that the trips abroad "were completely out of reach [financially]." In 2004, Orcutt raised her own JrNYLC tuition and spending money a total of approximately $2,500 in order to attend. The 2009 PYIC requires that Orcutt raise $2,489 for tuition, not including airfare, food and other expenses. Orcutt has set up a bank account at Westfield Savings Bank for donations, as well as started a letter writing campaign. A car wash fundraiser will also take place at Village Pizzeria on May 3 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. "By attending this conference I will be representing my high school, the town of Granville [her hometown], the town of Westfield and Western Massachusetts," she said. "I am overwhelmed and extremely honored to have this chance. But not all things in life are without their costs." While attending the PYIC, Orcutt will have the opportunity to attend the inaugural conference debates, various historical lectures examining past U.S. leaders, attend the Inaugural Parade, induction ceremony and attend the Inaugural Ball. Orcutt explained that through the JrNYLC she was able to learn about many historical and anthropological events, which dictated the country's history. She noted that learning about American history has encouraged her to think more about becoming a mayor or selectman. "It was really amazing because she's been watching the [presidential] election from the beginning. When she got that letter [inviting her to attend the PYIC], her eyes just lit right up," Jackie Orcutt, Naomi's mother said. "I see great potential in Naomi and really believe that she can do anything she sets her mind to." Jackie noted, however, that her daughter has only been able to raise approximately $575 so far. Donations can be mailed to Westfield Savings Bank, 141 Elm St., P.O. Box 1626, Westfield, MA 01086. Checks should be made payable to Naomi Orcutt (PYIC). For more information about the JrNYLC or PYIC go to www.cycl.org. | ||||||
