EXPERIENCING HISTORY

Steve Stoler reports

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PLANO - With 13 days to go until Barack Obama becomes the nation's first African-American president, one Plano student is anticipating the chance to witness history firsthand.

Twelve-year-old Emily Zagorski, of Plano, was chosen to attend the inauguration.

The Renner Middle School seventh grader's favorite television show isn't exactly on the list of popular shows for most children her age. Zagorski, who said she dreams of public service at the Capital, loves to watch ABC's World News.

She is an avid follower of political news. Two years ago, at the age of ten, Zagorski was asked to lobby Congress for the Arthritis Foundation.

"It was very personal considering the fact that I have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis," she said. "I always believe that a person can make a difference."

Zagorski said one day she wants to make a difference in Washington D.C. as a U.S. senator, which may be why the opportunity to see Obama's inauguration is something she said she will cherish for a long time.

"Witnessing history is going to be really something special because it will be something I can tell my children, and my grandchildren and generations after mine," she said.

The middle school student was chosen for the trip based on her leadership skills. As part of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, she is considered among the nation's best and brightest students.

"She's just had a mind of her own since she was born," said Susan Zagorski, Emily's mother.

Zagorski predicted and supported Obama's win, even though her parents didn't.

"Emily is just remarkable and I'm so glad she's going to be there," said Anna, Zagorski's sister 9-year-old.

E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com