WASHINGTON, DC – Hundreds of thousands of individuals will descend on the nation’s capital beginning today (Saturday) leading up to Monday’s inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Included in those masses will be a wide-eyed youngster from Hertford County.

Christian Folston, enrolled at the Hertford County High School Ninth Grade Success Academy, has been invited to participate in the five-day High School Presidential Inaugural Conference, Jan. 19-23 in Washington, DC.

“Excited, he’s beyond excited,” said Christian’s grandfather, William H. Banks Jr. of Como. “There’s not many of us adults that can brag they were a part of the inauguration of the President of the United States. Here’s a young man that can boast of that throughout his life.”

Christian is the son of Rufus and Pamela Folston. At the HCHS Success Academy he is the 9^th Grade Class President and extremely active in athletics – a member of both the junior varsity football and basketball teams. He also participates in the youth basketball program offered by the Ahoskie Parks and Recreation Department.

Within his community, Christian is a member of Mill Neck Missionary Baptist Church where he is a member of the Junior Usher Board.

By taking part in the Conference, Folston will receive the opportunity to broaden his education awareness outside the boundaries of his local environment. During the five-day event, Folston and other participants will gain a deeper understanding of the history behind our nation’s electoral process as well as the rich traditions surrounding the Presidential Inauguration.

“Something that is really wonderful about so many young people gathering in Washington, DC for this event is it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern the United States over the next four years. We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of leaders,” said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Presidential Inaugural Conference.

Folston will be joined by high school scholars from across the nation. All will interact with historians, political experts and leading decision makers to discuss campaign strategy and presidential politics. Two of the main speakers for the Conference are Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor to the President, and General Wesley Clark, Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, four-star general and presidential candidate.

On Jan. 21 the student scholars will attend a special viewing party and luncheon from where they will watch, on large screen televisions, the grandeur of the inaugural parade as the President, Vice President and their families make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the U.S. Capitol Building to the White House.

To further commemorate the event, the high school scholars will attend an exclusive Gala Inaugural Celebration just for them.