Student Club Members Prepare for Trip to Attend the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C.

With only six days remaining before departing for Washington DC and the rare opportunity to attend the United States Presidential Inauguration, nine very excited Sierra College students make their final preparations for their trip. They leave Thursday, January 17 and will return Wednesday, January 23.

These students, who come from diverse backgrounds, have all distinguished themselves as politically active, conscientious citizens who understand that one day in the not so distant future; their generation will be the leaders of our country. These students may one day hold office as our local government leaders, senators, congressmen, or even president! 

Below are the names of the students with their club affiliations, who will be taking this trip accompanied by Political Science Professor, Dr. Winsome Jackson:

• Greg Harnage, President of Political Science Club, member of FMLA (Feminist majority Leadership Alliance)
• Andrew Rohrer, Vice-President of Political Science Club, member of FMLA, member of Rainbow Alliance, Student Senator
• Ursula Kajani, Secretary of Political Science Club
• Kristina Flores, Public Relations of Political Science Club, member of FMLA
• Marisa Magallanes, member of Political Science Club, member of FMLA, VP of ISEED, Student Senator
• Meagan Torres, Student Senator
• Alyssa Hurst, member of Political Science Club, VP of Literature Club
• Sydney Rothman, member of Political Science Club, Campus Liaison for Student Senate
• Michelle Magana, member of Political Science Club

The students, who planned and fundraised for this trip themselves, have worked closely with Representative Tom McClintock’s office to help coordinate tours as well as secure their tickets to the Inauguration. Accompanied by their faculty adviser, they will attend the Inauguration, the Inaugural Parade, tour museums, memorials, government facilities, and meet with the staff of several California Senators and Representatives, including Senator Feinstein, Senator Boxer and Representative McClintock. Some of the highlights will include:

Tours of the National Education Association, Kennedy Center, US Capitol, Supreme Court, National Archives, Library of Congress, and Arlington National Cemetery, Washington Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and MLK Memorial

The cost per student for the trip is estimated at $1,000. To date, the club has collected $3,500 in donations through the Associated Students of Sierra College, the Sierra College Faculty Association and private donations from individual faculty and staff members of the college. The students paid their own plane fare and the remaining balance of the expenses out of pocket.  Greg Harnage, President of the Political Science Club, states that donations to help defray expenses would still be greatly appreciated, and are tax deductible.

Donations can be sent to:

Campus Life Office
Attention: Political Science Club 
5000 Rocklin Road, CA 95677. 

For more information: Greg Harnage: greg.harnage@gmail.com or call: cell: 916-580-5445  

"Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies." 
-- Kofi Annan