St. Margaret’s senior Olivia Lamar of Madison, Va., attended the presidential inauguration as part of the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC), a five-day program that provides participants with a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the traditions surrounding the presidential inauguration.

During the program, Lamar had the opportunity to interact with political figures such as former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell, former Vice President Al Gore and former South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Other speakers included journalist Lisa Ling and historian/author Doris Kearns Goodwin. PYIC participants attended the pre-inaugural concert on the National Mall, the inauguration and the inaugural parade. They also attended a black-tie gala inaugural ball at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center.

In addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, Lamar had the opportunity to explore historic sites and monuments in Washington, D.C., cruise the Potomac, and see performances by the Reduced Shakespeare Company and The Capital Steps. The group also participated in roundtable discussions, debates and other activities meant to expand their knowledge of democratic principles and the presidential election process.

PYIC is sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council; a nonpartisan, independent, educational organization. For more information visit www.cylc.org/pyic