Local young leader readies for historic inauguration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Next month, a Worland senior will be among the outstanding students from across the United States who will gather in the nation’s capital for the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit. During this five-day program, which takes place amid the excitement of the Inauguration of the President of the United States, Summit Scholars will gain a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the rich traditions surrounding the Presidential Inauguration.

Emiliano (Milo) Vega III, 17, a senior at Worland High School, has been selected as a Summit Scholar. He is the son of Milo and Pattie Vega and grandson of Elena Vega of Worland, Jim Burris of Morris, Ill., and Merl and Kitty Gibson of Shell.

Vega attended the National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine Experience in July at the University of Houston through the same program.

He said he received a letter from the organizers of the forum telling him about this “rare opportunity.” He filled out the paperwork and will be ready to head to Washington, D.C. next month.

He said he wanted to attend the summit because “this is once-in-a-lifetime deal.” He said it’s an opportunity to expand his knowledge and he’s excited to be a part of something like the summit.

Vega is part of the National Honor Society, Worland wrestling, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Washakie County 4-H, National Society of High School Scholars and is currently participating in the school to work program at Cloud Peak Veterinary with Mandy Thoet.

He said through his summer work he has funding for the trip.

Vega plans to attend the University of Wyoming in the fall for pre-veterinary medicine and will finish his DVM-MBA degree at Colorado State University.

“The Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit will provide students with an opportunity to take part in historic events that coincide with the Inauguration of the President of the United States,” said Andrew Potter, the Chief Academic Officer for Envision and the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit. “Something that is really wonderful about so many young people gathering in Washington, D.C. for this event is that it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern our country over the next four years. We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of U.S. leaders.”

Summit Scholars will be inspired to become change agents while hearing from an unparalleled slate of speakers, including Malala Yousafzai, General Colin Powell, Spike Lee, Abby Wambach, Carly Fiorina, Governor Martin O’Malley and more. They will also have a chance to put that inspiration into practice while participating in a Delegations for Change, a simulation where Summit Scholars will work together to create workable solutions to the challenges that their generation and the new administration will face.

To further commemorate Inauguration Day, Summit Scholars will attend the exclusive Envision Inaugural Gala, held at a Smithsonian Institution museum. In addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, scholars will have the opportunity to explore the numerous historic sites and memorials in the nation’s capital, as well as participate in activities designed to expand their knowledge of democratic principles and the presidential election process.

For more information about the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit, visit us at EnvisionSummit.com/Inauguration.