Zane Khatib, a senior at Mercer Island High School, flew to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Jan. 19, to take part in the five-day high school Presidential Inaugural Conference. Students from around the world participate in activities with other student leaders, including witnessing the presidential inauguration.

“I enjoyed the networking and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history in the making,” said Khatib. He had to wake up at 4 a.m. on Monday to board 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. “

The conference program activities have included briefings by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state; retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark; and a viewing of the movie “All the President’s Men,” followed by a discussion led by former Washington Post reporter, Bob Woodward.