Local Young Leader Selected To Attend Historic Inauguration

Jan. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- CHAPPAQUA, NY and WASHINGTON, DC – Later this week, Zachary Csillag from Chappaqua, NY, will be joining other outstanding high school students from across the United States to take part in a truly American celebration – the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.  During the five-day program, the Presidential Inaugural Conference (PYIC) will provide Csillag and the other scholars with a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the rich traditions surrounding the presidential inauguration.

As part of the PYIC, Csillag will have the opportunity to interact with a major presidential candidate, White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts and other VIPs, such as former Secretary of State, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), and former Vice President Al Gore.  After witnessing the inauguration, he will experience the inaugural parade, as the president, vice president and their families make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol Building to the White House.  

As a middle school student, Csillag was originally chosen by his teachers to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in the summer of 2004 because of his leadership abilities. Since then, he has been invited back to attend the National Young Leaders State Conference and now the PYIC.

Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and learning issues in 1999, Csillag’s leadership attributes include persistence and a positive attitude, traits that serve him well in overcoming his daily challenges.  As Csillag recently wrote for an article to be published in an upcoming national newsletter for the Tourette Syndrome Association, “I’ve realized that everyone has his or her own struggles or challenges.  Some are just more noticeable than others, like having Tourette Syndrome.”

In addition to the inauguration, Csillag and the conference scholars will have the opportunity participate in roundtable discussions, debates and other activities that will help expand their knowledge of the democratic principles and presidential election process. They will also further honor and celebrate Inauguration Day by attending a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball on the final evening of the conference, at which American Idol finalist Daughtry is scheduled to perform.  

Csillag attends Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua and is an avid baseball player, having played on both his high school freshman and JV teams, as well as in numerous tournaments throughout Westchester and at Cooperstown, New York.  He is currently preparing for his college entrance exams and is hoping to study science when he graduates in 2010.

CYCL is a nonpartisan, independent educational organization. Since 1985, the Council has inspired more than 200,000 young people to achieve their full leadership potential. Members of the U.S. Congress have joined our commitment by serving on the CYCL Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors. In addition, more than 50 embassies participate in the Council’s Honorary Board of Embassies.

For interviews with Zachary Csillag, please call Andrea Papa at 917-816-2256.  Csillag will be available for interviews before he departs for the conference on Saturday, January 17, 2009. He will also be keeping a diary of his conference experiences, taking photos, and will be available for interviews after the conference concludes on Wednesday, January 21, 2009.

For additional information on PYIC, visit www.cylc.org/pyic

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