By:Nick Buglione
Ryan Reif, 14, an East Meadow High School freshman, was picked through the People to People presidential inauguration program, which offers students the opportunity to take part in event. People to People was started in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to provide youngsters with an opportunity to learn about history, government and other cultures.
A self-described history and government buff, Reif was floored when he received a letter in August inviting him to the inauguration. "It came when I was in California," Reif said. "The trip was getting tired, and I got a little sick and [news of the letter] brought me right up."
Reif will be in Washington Jan. 19 to 23 and will get a once-in-a-lifetime look at the swearing in of the president and vice president. He'll also take in the inaugural address, parade and celebratory ball.
Reif's itinerary also includes a visit to George Washington's estate in Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson's plantation in Monticello, and Ford's Theater, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
"You are in for a bit of pomp and circumstance during this grand celebration," said Susannah Cornelius, director of admissions for the People to People inauguration program, in a letter to Reif. "I look forward to welcoming you to the remarkable event symbolizing the American democratic process."
Though People to People will not release the identity of who recommended Reif to attend the inauguration, it was either a teacher or government official, the organization said.
"This just blew him away because he's very into government," said Ryan's mother, Jane. "We're just thrilled. We're very proud of him."
Reif's interest in government started when he was in the fourth grade. He took to watching the news every day and began paying more attention to world affairs. An excellent student with strong leadership qualities, Reif has participated in People to People student ambassador programs before.
When he was in the seventh grade, he traveled to a leadership summit in Florida, where he met Mary Eisenhower, the late president's granddaughter.
"At the summit, we had to complete an active plan where you have to think about how to make your community better," Reif said.
The next year, he participated in the same leadership summit, though this one was held at UCLA in California. "I learned to be a good leader, you need courage, bravery, and you need to be able to give directions and also follow them when needed," Reif said. "You can't be self-centered."
President John F. Kennedy is one of the leaders in history Reif admires the most. And with the close presidential race coming down to the wire, he has a clear preference on who he'd like to see at the inauguration. "John Kerry," the well-spoken student said. "I like his point of views on how we should accomplish things."
Reif's mother described her son as community-minded, noting that after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, he and his brother sold patriotic pins to raise money for the victims' families. His efforts earned him a meeting with Gov. George Pataki at Hofstra University.
When Reif was in the fourth grade, his classmates elected him to the Student Council, and when he entered middle school, he joined the Builders' Club, which is affiliated with the charitable organization Kiwanis.
Aside from pursuits in school, Reif is passionate about baseball and football and enjoys playing both sports. He is considering entering a career in law when he gets older.
Comments about this story? NBuglione@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
