Jamaican-Born Student Invited to US Presidential Inauguration

Fifteen-year old John-Henry Noel Marley, Jamaican born and resident of Tampa, Florida, will join the millions expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of the 44th President of the United States of America (USA), Barack Obama, to be held next Tuesday (Jan. 20) in Washington, D.C.
A high-achieving student of the King High School International Baccalaureate Programme (IBP) in Tampa, John-Henry was one of several scholars selected by the United States Congressional Youth Leadership Council and National Youth Leadership Forum, to share in the historic ceremony.
He has received letters of congratulations from Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, as well as Mayor of the City of Tampa, Pam Iorio, who also lauded his various accomplishments and leadership abilities.
John-Henry will depart Tampa for Washington on Saturday (Jan. 17), where he will participate in several activities leading up to the inauguration. These include the Presidential youth conference, debates and other educational activities, in addition to the black tie inauguration ball. During these events, he will meet with fellow scholars, national and international journalists, Congressional staff and political experts. He returns to Tampa on Wednesday (Jan. 21).
In an interview with JIS News, John-Henry expressed pride at being selected to witness the installation of the first black President of the USA. He said the unique experience will also give him an opportunity to witness the responsibilities of leadership at the highest level.
He is also looking forward to sharing conference platform with former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, who is also of Jamaican heritage; former Vice President of the US, Al Gore; and Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights activist, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
With a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0, John-Henry has a love for history and global politics. He intends to pursue a career in law and politics.
The high achiever also excels in athletics, having participated at competitive levels in karate and varsity football. With an interest in music, he plays the bassoon, trumpet, clarinet and bass guitar.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, John-Henry migrated to the USA with his family at the age of four years. He has maintained an interest in his homeland and visits regularly.
The son of Jamaicans, John Marley and Trudy Marley Beerman, he has one sister and a brother.