Teens headed for inauguration

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http://www.ajc.com/hp/content/metro/clayton/0105/13teens.html

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Applicants for the program must have at least a 3.0 grade point average or be in the top 25 percent of their class. Students also must have a record of extracurricular activities that show commitment to community or school service.

"We want kids to get a better idea of how the government works," said Kate Bouterie, a program spokeswoman. "We want them to bring that back to their schools and classrooms. We want them to somehow get involved with the community."

As part of the program, students will attend the inaugural parade and watch Bush take the oath of office for his second term. They also will meet with members of Congress from their area and other policymakers and will hear from guest speakers and present a paper on a selected topic.

Past speakers include Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell and White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales.

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