Victory World Students Attend Presidential Inauguration Ambassadors Program

Students Kortni Gardenhire and Rachael Graham, 5th graders at Victory World Christian School, recently returned from Washington, DC, where they attended a People to People World Leadership Forum. Gardenhire and Graham, along with fellow delegates from around the world, participated in lectures given by Ken Walsh, Chief White House correspondent, Kenneth M. Duberstein, President Ronald Reagan’s White House chief of staff and Mary Jean Eisenhower; granddaughter to President Dwight Eisenhower.

The students toured the Smithsonian Institution National Gallery, the U.S. Capitol, and Library of Congress and were a part of history by experiencing the swearing in of the 44^th President of the United States on the National Mall. Throughout the course of the program in Washington, DC, Gardenhire and Graham learned about leadership and how iconic leaders throughout history have handled world events. Various hands-on activities, professional speakers, workshops, and visits to significant memorials, museums, and monuments gave the students a new perspective on the importance and essential need for informed, passionate world leaders.

“I enjoyed meeting other students from every state; the program was awesome and taught me so much about the different presidents. I really want to take what I learned and make a difference in my community.  I also really enjoyed the International Spy Museum” says Graham.

The People to People World Leadership Forum offers students a unique blend of specialized educational, leadership, and cultural exposure through a variety of programs, as well as an itinerary filled with the highlights of the hosting community. While in Washington, DC the students created lifelong memories and formed lasting friendships with other Student Leaders from around the world. Participants in these programs often experience life-changing shifts in their attitudes toward individual and shared responsibilities, global leadership, and appreciation of cultural diversity, while also returning home with enhanced leadership skills and self-confidence.