Reporter's Notebook: Eighth-grader enjoys speeches

Saturday's agenda for Sam Haddad, an eighth-grader from St. Andrews Episcopal School, included hearing a speech from Eric Weighenhauser. Haddad will attend the inauguration Tuesday as part of a national youth leadership conference.

Haddad said he learned that Weighenhauser was the first blind man to climb Mount Everest and that he has scended the seven highest peaks from every continent.

"His speech was very motivating and he talked about getting over challenges like his blindness,
Haddad said.

On Sunday, Haddad heard Gen. Colin Powell give a speech about leadership and his position in the Army.

"He said that in order to be a leader, you have to have followers," Haddad said.

But Haddad said he wished he could have attended the concert Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial.

"It was too cold to listen outside," he said.

He looked forward to a meeting that would feature Al Gore today.

Reporter's Notebook: Whatever it Takes

Debra Nunez remembers seeing her 11-year-old daughter Ciera’s invitation to the inauguration months ago. Nunez wanted to give Ciera that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a memory that she can share for generations.

“Whatever it takes, whatever it requires, we’ve got to get her there,” Nunez said.

The rest of the family also is making the trip, though Ciera will not stay with them.

Ciera said she feels special to know she will attend the inauguration.

Reporter's Notebook: In the suitcase

Max Guerra is taking a camera, a phone, a calling card in cases he loses the phone and an alarm clock for waking up early. Other "necessities" include a PSP and an iPod, he said. Mom gave him an address book, so that he can stay in touch with friends that he makes.

Ciera Nunez's suitcase includes a new camera that takes photos and video, as well as a journal.

James Faulkner also will have his camera, iPod and cell phone.

Reporter's Notebook: Bound for Washington

At least a dozen people will serve as Amarillo's representatives during the inauguration.

At least four students are attending through conferences organized by the Congressional Leadership Council. Max Guerra, 11, is a fifth-grader at Bushland Middle School. He is the son of Debbie Shaw. Ciera Nunez, 11, is in sixth grade at Greenways Intermediate School. Sam Haddad James Faulkner, 16, is a sophomore at Bushland High School.

Others who plan to see President-elect Barack Obama take the oath of office: Alphonso Vaughn, a Potter County commissioner, and wife Linda Vaughn, a principal at Eastridge Elementary School; Justice of the Peace Thomas Jones will see the ceremony with his two daughters; Paul Coleman, wife Carol and son Frederick, 11, of Canyon; and Russell Lowery-Hart and his wife Tara. Paul Coleman is a librarian at West Texas A&M University, where Carol is also a part-time instructor of biostatistics. Russell Lowery-Hart is the associate provost for the university.

Photo taken by Matt Strasen.