Newtown Middle Schooler Headed To Inauguration

By Nancy K. Crevier

For Newtown Middle School seventh grader Wesley Morlock, this year’s election held more than the usual interest for him. “I like all of the topics [politicians] talk about and hearing about how they plan to change the country,” said Wesley, but knowing that he had in his possession an invitation to attend the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States in January 2009 made the whole election process this past year that much more exciting.

Wesley will travel to Washington, D.C., on January 17 for five days of learning about the election process and the varied roles of the president, to hear speakers that will include former Vice President of the United States Al Gore and former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and take in the many gala events surrounding the inauguration, as part of the Junior Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference.

The 12-year-old previously attended the Junior Scholarship Program, a subgroup of the Youth Leadership Council, in 2006. Nominated by his fourth grade teacher at Middle Gate Elementary School, that five-day program was where he proved himself to be mature and a leader, said Wesley, resulting in an invitation to the inauguration this year.

In his social studies class at Newtown Middle School, taught by Oona Mulligan, said Wesley, they have had the opportunity this fall to create a lot fun posters and other projects focused on the election. The class has also provided him with a chance to discuss with his peers the different election topics. He hopes that the January conference in Washington, D.C., will provide him with more information about the new president’s plans for the economy and the environment.

The Junior Inaugural Scholars will witness the Inauguration, the Oath of Office, and Inaugural Address of the new president in January, take in the Inaugural parade, and attend a Gala Inaugural Ball. The students will also have time to visit several of the National Mall’s monuments while in DC. If, by chance, he not only is within arm’s reach of the new president, but is able to talk to him, said Wesley, he considered what he would ask the leader of this country.

“I would probably ask him how he plans to improve our country, and what he thinks is the most important thing to change. I think the president’s most important role is that the country is a safe place, and that it is well run, for everybody,” said Wesley.

Each of the students selected to attend the conference is responsible for raising the approximately $3,000 it will cost. Wesley has been selling “Go Newtown!” and “Newtown Nighthawks Rock!” bracelets at soccer games and other high school events, as well as cheesecakes, cookie dough, and pizza. Appropriately enough, he made his way up and down Main Street during the Labor Day Parade in September selling “Barack O’Berry” and “John McCream” soda marketed by Avery’s Beverages in New Britain.

Friends and family have also donated to send him on his way to Washington, said Wesley, but he is hopeful that he will find a business sponsor to support him, as well.

To purchase a bracelet for $2, call Wesley at 270-1295.

“I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be a good experience,” said Wesley.