One local teen, Bishop’s School eighth grader Elizabeth Liang, will have the extraordinary opportunity to attend the Middle School Presidential Inaugural Conference from Jan. 19-23 in the nation’s capitol in conjunction with the swearing in of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

The Roger Rowe School of Rancho Santa Fe, where Liang attended until fifth grade before coming to Bishop’s, nominated her to attend the conference as a 2010 alumna of the National Youth Leaders Conference.

“I’m grateful because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Liang of her upcoming trip.

Throughout the five-day conference, Liang will take part in a number of educational conference curricula and activities with fellow scholars, explore the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in an exclusive early access tour, enjoy a special inaugural celebration gala with live special musical guest Allstar Weekend, and listen to renowned keynote speakers, including George W. Bush’s daughters, Barbara P. Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, and Chief White House Correspondent for CBS News Norah O’Donnell.

Liang is involved in community service and leadership groups, including The Bishop’s School’s Community Service Program, the Hope Leadership Foundation and volunteers at Karen’s Refugee Center with some of her peers.

— Mariko Lamb