On January 20, 2009, when President-Elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States, members of Alfred Ely Beach High School Choir will have a front row seat to this historic event.

The 25 Beach High students are among 4,500 students across the nation who were invited to sing at the inauguration bash.

"We will sing and perform in a competition among other choir students, they will get to see President-Elect Obama take an oath of office, tour the White House and they will attend the inaugural events," says Choir Director James Kirk.

Kirk submitted an application last summer hoping that his students would be among the lucky ones to get this rare opportunity. At that time, he had no idea what a tremendous historic event it was going to be, particularly for the African- American community.

"This is something they will remember for the rest of their lives," he said.

The students are hoping that the public will donate to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you would like to help, contact Beach High School at 912.201.5330 or call James Kirk at 210-9766.

Dr. Deonn Stone is the principal at Beach High School.