Phelps

Shakir Phelps, 14, son of Vincent and Kimberly Phelps of Linden, N.J., and grandson of Johnnie and Ella Phelps of Anderson, has been invited to attend the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference in Washington, D.C., in January 2009.

Shakir is a ninth-grade student at Linden High School.

A portion of the invitation expresses the following:

“In January 2009, our nation’s capital will reverberate with the sights and sounds of a truly American celebration — the Inauguration of the 44th president and vice president of the United States. On behalf of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, it is my great pleasure to invite you to take part in the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference.

“You’ve been selected to attend the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference exclusively as an alumna of the National Young Leaders State Conference. You and your fellow alumni will be honored at the Inaugural Conference as distinguished young leaders and scholars. You will share in five days of activities and events commemorating the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.

“You will be present on the historic morning of January 20, 2009, as the president and vice president of the United States of America are sworn into office.

“You will be there to experience firsthand the grandeur of the inaugural parade, as the president and vice president and their families proceed from the United States Capitol Building to the White House. To conclude Inauguration Day, you will attend a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball to further honor and celebrate this monumental event.

Shakir, you will have the opportunity to meet historians, political experts and leading decision-makers who will actively shape and implement the policies that will guide our country in the years to come.”