On Jan. 17, a group of 63 Parkway juniors and seniors and their 12 chaperones will depart for Washington, D.C. to be part of United States history--the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. The trip has been in the making since spring 2008.

Students like Central High senior Ashley Bergman and North High senior Adam Casteel are especially excited about being part of the inauguration activities, having voted for the first time in the Nov. election.

Others, like Alec Sydlow, a senior at Parkway South, are excited at the prospect of being a part of history in the making. Says Alec, "I have a feeling I'll be telling all my grandkids about this someday. ‘I was really there! Can you believe it?'"

When asked to comment on the greatest challenge for the new president, West High junior Jake Lyonfields says, "The most immediate and important challenge for Barack Obama during his first term will be to enact a plan to help strengthen the faltering economy. It is also important that he promotes peace and stability in the Middle East through a strong multilateral agenda."

While in D.C., students will be visiting memorials and museums such as the Arlington National Cemetery and the Smithsonian and will take part in the National Day of Service on Jan. 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Students will be doing clean up work at historic Woodlawn Cemetery. The group will also attend fun events such as the H.O.P.E. Inaugural Ball on Saturday night. 

A Web site at www.pkwy.k12.mo.us/inauguration will serve as the Parkway connection to the inauguration. The site contains the group's schedule and will be updated each evening with podcasts, video, photos, and blogs. In addition, there will be a Twitter link for those who want to "tweet" about the event.