Lynch, a 17-year-old senior at Bellarmine High School, was chosen based on demonstrated leadership potential, test scores and scholastic merit. He will be among 400 high school students from across the country to attend the conference.

The theme of the National Leadership Conference is "The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today." Throughout the six-day conference, Lynch will interact with representatives of the three branches of government, the media and members of the international community.

Lynch, who has studied Chinese since his freshman year at Bellarmine, is especially interested in meeting members of the international political community; he is considering a career in international relations, international intelligence or diplomacy and hopes a background in Chinese language, cultures and studies will assist in that realm.

Says Lynch, "I took Chinese because it wasn't the norm, but I really enjoy it. I've always thought that I wanted to do something political, to be a political contributor or aide or somehow affect the news or current events. Having a background in Chinese could fit into that with China and the U.S. in their current political positions."

Additionally, Lynch hopes that he and his peers will effectively demonstrate their skills in a professional forum, where they will be given the opportunity to present and share ideas about politics and world events with political leaders.

Lynch says that he is looking forward to "feeling the atmosphere of the national capital, especially post­Sept. 11," and hopes to learn about his peers' political views. Says Lynch, "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to interact with other teens in a professional setting, to learn what their views are at such a historical time. Maybe we can help shape or change each other's opinions."

Highlights of the program include welcoming remarks from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and a panel discussion with prominent journalists at the National Press Club. Lynch will also meet with senators and a U.S. representative or an appointed member of the representative's staff to discuss important issues facing the nation.

To complement the schedule of special meetings and briefings, Lynch will also participate in a number of leadership skill-building activities. In one role-play activity known as "If I Were President," students act as the president and Cabinet members responding to an international crisis. Students also participate in a judicial simulation called "Testing the Constitution," in which they examine actual U.S. Supreme Court cases. The conference culminates with the "Model Congress," in which students assume the roles of U.S. representatives and debate, amend and vote on proposed mock legislation.

Lynch tells us that although he is excited about the intended schedule of conference events, he is looking forward to seeing the sights in D.C. as well, as this will be his first trip to the capital. Lynch adds, "I'm interested in seeing a session of Congress and maybe meeting influential political and government officials—that, and seeing D.C. in general. Especially now, after Sept. 11."

Michael Lindsay, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organization that sponsors the conference, says, "It's wonderful to see high school students like Patrick Lynch seeking out the National Young Leaders Conference in an effort to learn and take on leadership roles in the communities throughout our country. The events of Sept. 11 prompted the urgent need to understand and exercise effective leadership. Those who participate in this program not only gain knowledge and experience in the nation's capital, they leave with a sense of accomplishment and an increased ability to face the challenges of the future."

When asked how he thought the events of Sept. 11 and the existing situation in Iraq might affect his and other students' experiences in Washington, Lynch responded, "Going to D.C. at this particular time will be a great experience. Sept. 11 affected people in my age group profoundly, though most people don't realize that. Seeing the changes, the effects of Sept. 11 and the war will be interesting. Being in Washington now will make it everyone's issue in terms of all of us having an opinion and an ability to make contributions. It will be a good place to learn from each other."

Adds Lynch, "People should give kids a chance and understand that the students at the conference are not the only ones who care. They are more of a model for all students who aren't represented. Teens have opinions and do care. The conference shows that. If adults can get involved in teen-related programs, they should. Then they'll see that teens have ideas on how to shape the future. It's when adults expect nothing from this generation that they get nothing."