MOC students to attend inauguration seminars, write memos to president
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on December 17, 2008 1:46 PM
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Jessica Dennis of Pennsylvania, left, Yeeka Yau of Australia, Crystal Guy of Clayton, James Vickory of Mount Olive, Jenna Gudac of Pine Level and Trent Lassiter of Selma all will be attending Campaign 2008: The Presidential Inauguration Seminars in Washington, D.c. next month.
MOUNT OLIVE -- Six Mount Olive College students have been chosen to attend Campaign 2008: The Presidential Inaug-uration Seminars in Washing-ton, D.C. next month.
Departments and schools at the college had nominated juniors and seniors who demonstrated academic excellence. Participants will receive college credit for the seven-day excursion, conducted by faculty from various universities.
At its conclusion, they will write a final essay as a memo to incoming President Barack Obama.
Students also will make site visits to embassies, executive branch offices, Congressional offices, media organizations, nonprofit organizations, think tanks and trade associations.
Selected to represent the college were James Vickory of Mount Olive, Jenna Gudac of Pine Level, Trenton Lassiter of Selma and Yeeka Yau of Australia, all from the Tillman School of Business; Jessica Dennis of Meadsville, Pennsylvania, from the School of Arts and Sciences; and Crystal Guy of Clayton, from the School of Professional Studies.
"Going to D.C. for the inauguration is not just an honor, it is a chance of a lifetime opportunity," said Vickory, a business administration major. "I am thankful that MOC has given me this opportunity, and the other nominees and I are extremely excited about participating in this upcoming event."
Ms. Guy, a psychology major, said she is excited and nervous at the same time.
"I feel so honored to be nominated by my department and to represent Mount Olive College during this time in our nation's history," she said. "I know that I will learn so much from the Presidential Inauguration Program, but most importantly I am going to come back to Mount Olive College more appreciative of our great nation. This historic election gives me hope that I, too, can be anything that I dream to be. I am going to remember this experience for the rest of my life."
Being part of the celebration should be an "amazing, unforgettable experience," added Ms. Dennis, an English major.
Following their return, the students are scheduled to speak about the opportunity on Feb. 26 in Southern Bank Auditorium in Raper Hall.