Mercer Island High School Student Attends 2013 Presidential Inauguration

Zane Khatib, a senior at Mercer Island High School, flew to Washington, DC last weekend to take part in the 5-day High School Presidential Inaugural Conference, which included a stop of the National Mall to witness the of Barack Obama.

Students from around the world participate in activities with other student leaders commemorating the Presidential Inauguration.

"I'm enjoying the networking and this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness history in the making," said Khatib.

His schedule was a busy one. Khatib was required to wake up at 4 a.m. on Monday for boarding a bus to the National Mall. The group first visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum before making their way to the public viewing area to witness the President's Oath of Office and Inaugural Address.

Khatib is the only high school student from Mercer Island to be participate in the inaugural festivities — at least as far as his mother knows. Merideth Tall, Founder and Chair of Victoria Clipper, said "my son's a history buff, this is an amazing experience for Zane to be part of such a historical event."

His sister, Della Tall, attended the Collegiate Presidential Inaugural Conference in 2009 as a college Senior. Khatib said "my sister's experience has me looking forward to a greater understanding of how government works and the electoral process."

Conference program activities have included briefings by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Former Secretary of State, retired US Army General Wesley Clark, and a viewing of the movie "All the President's Men" followed by a discussion lead by former Washington Post Reporter, Bob Woodward. This evening the group will close the conference by attending a gala inaugural celebration, returning home on Wednesday.

Khatib's career aspiration, at least prior to attending the conference, is to be an actuary. He hasn't committed yet to which college to attend this fall.