The five-day conferences consist of several events, including the public swearing-in ceremony of the President of the United States and Vice President as well as the inaugural parade.
Being able to attend the conference exposed Tatyana to the world of government and politics, an area that she didn’t really focus on before.
“It was a busy schedule and I got to experience a lot,” she said. “It was exciting to be there for the inauguration. Not many people get to experience that.”
During her time at the conference, Tatyana attended receptions and concerts while also touring some of the famous museums and obtaining a better understanding of the role the president plays in government.
“I got to learn more about how the government works,” she said.
“This has opened another world for her,” said Ann Peace, Tatyana’s great grandmother. “She is looking at a career in medicine but now is involved in mock trial at Aquinas and has become interested in politics now.”
This year the high school conference attendees heard from Former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley Clark, the conference’s keynote speakers.
Tatyana is a high honors student at Aquinas and is a member of the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation and the National Society of High School Scholars. This year she was the recipient of the Presidential Award for Volunteer Service, and departmental awards in chemistry and foreign language.
During the summer Williams-Peace attended the National Youth Leadership Forum at the University of California, Berkeley, where students experience various aspects and opportunities in the field of medicine.
“It’s a great honor; she was very pleased when she found out,” Ann Peace said.