Excited Oregonians Bundle Up for President Obama’s Inauguration

Washington, D.C. January 21st, 2013.  Parkrose High School senior De’Ontria McFerson and Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith were two of many Oregonians who attended the Inauguration.  De’Ontria, or Tria as she’s called, was a summer an intern with Loretta Smith and was honored to receive the trip and be a guest of  Congressman Earl Blumenauer.

It was trip, the teen told friends, she will always remember. “It was my first time seeing the U.S. Capitol and I won’t say it will be my last. It was pretty amazing. I had a great time taking pictures and meeting new people. Today was memorable and I had a good time.”

McPherson blogged, “The office staff welcomed us and Congressman Blumenauer took a picture with Commissioner Smith and I. Inside, other people came to pick up their tickets as well. They talked as they ate grapes, snacks and different drinks. I’ve never gone to an event this big or received an invitation from someone this important. I can say that was one of the nicest things someone has every done for me.”

De`Ontria McFerson is involved in Elevate Oregon, the Black Student Union, and Youth Against Violence. McFerson is also a member of Barista and has taken hip hop classes.

When De`Ontria graduates from high school, she aspires to study law or medicine. Her interest in the legal system is rooted in her passion for debate and research. If she pursues medicine, she hopes to find a cure for AIDS so she can save millions of lives.

McFerson joined Summer Youth Connect because it was a great opportunity to get out and learn new information about her community. She was excited to hold a job, get experience in a real work setting and make money over the summer. As a caring and career oriented young woman, De’Ontria hopes to gain a better understanding of the professional world so she can use it in the future. Among her peers, she strives to be known as a lady who has a big dream and was motivated and determined to accomplish it.

Here are a few more photos from the the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.

The 20th Amendment states that the President must take the Oath of Office on January 20th. Since the 20th fell on a Sunday, a private swearing-in ceremony was held on that date and the public ceremony and parade were held on the following day. The official theme for the 2013 inauguration was “Faith in America’s Future,” commemorating the United States’ perseverance and unity, marking the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome in 1863.