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Commack teen has a golden ticket
Budding political scholar Matthew Fischetti, 16, readies to attend Obama's inauguration
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Even though Matthew Fischetti of Commack is only 16, he already has a story to tell his future children: He will be attending Barack Obama's historic inauguration as part of the 2009 Presidential Youth Leadership Conference.
The PYLC takes place in Washington, D.C. during the week of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, from Jan. 16 through 21. This, the second-ever PYLC, is sponsored by LeadAmerica, and will be attended by over 400 high school and middle school students from all over the United States.
The students, termed "presidential scholars," are nominated either by a teacher, parent or guidance counselor or can be "self-selected," explained Karen Sharp, Director of Marketing and Communications for LeadAmerica. There are a total of six students attending from Suffolk County: one each from Babylon, Calverton, Centereach, Mount Sinai, Commack and Riverhead, said Sharp.
Matthew, an 11th-grader at Commack High School, isn't sure who nominated him. His mom, Fran Fischetti, said that Matthew was very involved with the election and "followed every debate, read The New York Times every day, understood all the issues and was just a huge Obama fan. We stayed up that night to watch the election."
"Matt was very disappointed that he couldn't vote," Fischetti added, "but I told him he could vote in the next election. It's exciting to see such interest."
Not only will they be attending the inauguration and the inaugural parade, but the week-long PYLC will provide its participants with their own inaugural ball as well as what it terms its "centerpiece: the Presidential Simulation: The First 100 Days."
This hands-on experience will give students a close-up look at how the executive branch, the legislative branch and various interest groups impact the drafting and implementation of public policy in a modern administration's fabled first 100 days.
Students will navigate a labyrinth of political networks, engage in grassroots campaigning, build coalitions and develop bipartisan political strategy, explained Sharp. They will hold debates and town hall meetings, lobby and issue press releases. They will decide key policy initiatives: Will the administration and Congress support a tax increase or a tax cut policy? What is the future road map of health care, education and foreign policy?
"This is an incredible experience for these students," said Sharp. "There is a heightened level of excitement and interest in this conference because of the historic significance of Obama's election."
"This is a historical year for our country," Chris Salamone, founder and director of LeadAmerica, said in a release. "Students attending the PYLC are our future leaders. It is my sincere hope that this experience will instill in these young leaders ethical and principled values that will help them along the road toward a successful and rewarding life of leadership."
There will also be guest speakers. Confirmed so far, according to Sharp, are Brian H. Hook, assistant Secretary of State overseeing international organization affairs; Dr. Martin Dupuis, author of "Barack Obama: The New Face of American Politics;" Olegario Cantos, special counsel to the acting attorney general; and Mary Beth Tinker, plaintiff in the suit Tinker v. Des Moines, a 1969 landmark case in which the U.S. Supreme Court extended the right to freedom of expression to public school students.
Of course, all this insight doesn't come cheap. The total estimated cost of the trip, including airfare, hotel, meals, and visits to all the D.C. monuments, is close to $2,500.
The highlight of the upcoming event for Matthew? The inauguration itself.
"None of us has ever been to an inauguration," Matthew's mom said. "He is making history. This is a big deal. We're all so excited for him. Even his grandpa — who is a big Republican — is excited for him. This is an amazing opportunity."
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