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			 Sarah Starasta, daughter of Mike and Leslie Starasta of Lincoln, 
			participated in this trip January 17-20. Four Illinois youth along 
			with chaperones, including Rachael Skelton, Logan County 4-H Alumni, 
			of Middletown, were among 500 4-H members from 25 states who 
			gathered at the National 4-H Conference Center. While in Washington 
			D.C., they visited the Newseum, went on a night tour of the 
			monuments, the Supreme Court, The Capital, The National American 
			History Museum, and the Inauguration ceremony. They also learned the 
			meaning and importance of the Democratic process, explored the 
			history of the Presidency, the election process, and the role of the 
			press from many different speakers including an ambassador, previous 
			cabinet members, and former White House Administrators. 
 Sarah noted that she enjoyed viewing Pulitzer Prize winning photos 
			at the Newseum, seeing the monuments, and learning about careers in 
			the government. She states "On inauguration day it was fascinating 
			to see five previous and current presidents, but my favorite part 
			was seeing how the peaceful transition of power happens." Sarah says 
			the trip was a great opportunity she would definitely recommend to 
			other 4-H members.
 
			
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For further information about the Citizenship Washington Focus Trip opportunity 
for 4-H members, contact the Logan County 4-H Office at 732-8289. 
Pictured above far left is 
Rachael Skelton.  Thrid from the left is Leslie Starasta. 
				 
			[Patty HufferExtension Program Coordinator
 University of Illinois Extension]
 
			
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