Chartiers Valley seventh-graders Ben Wasson and Matt Wilke are looking forward to seeing Barack Obama's leadership skills in action when they attend his inauguration Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.

During a junior leadership camp they attended last year, the 12-year-olds learned the traits of a good leader, and they think Mr. Obama exhibits them.

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"He gives the country some hope," Matt said. "We need a leader right now to help us through."

"I think he's a good leader," Ben said. "He's really smooth when he talks. He's calm. And he is choosing good people to help him."

As alumni of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in the nation's capital last March, the boys were invited to attend an inaugural conference sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, a nonpartisan, independent organization based in Virginia.

Highlights of the program from Jan. 17 to 21 will include attending the swearing-in of the new president, viewing the inaugural parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, hearing speeches by Mr. Obama, Al Gore and Colin Powell, going to educational seminars and dressing in new suits for an inaugural ball.

Ben, Matt and their fellow participants will wear specially ordered navy-colored scarves, embroidered with an emblem of an eagle and the Capitol and the words "Presidential Inaugural Conference 2009."

Although the conference was not a school-sponsored event, teachers nominated Ben and Matt to attend last year's event, where the boys examined six traits associated with good leaders -- goal setting, communication, character, teamwork, respect and problem-solving.

Ben said that Mr. Obama showed good character in pre-election debates because he was polite and respectful, and he demonstrated good teamwork with his choices for cabinet members.

"You can't do everything by yourself," Ben said, echoing a lesson he learned during the leadership camp.

The boys' parents, Tony and Becky Wasson, of Collier, and David and Cheri Wilke, of Scott, will take turns transporting Matt and Ben to Washington and back.

"It's the most historic election of [our] time," Mrs. Wilke said. "And for Matt to be a part of it and witness it, it'll be something he'll never forget."

Ben said attending the inauguration would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, made extra-special because Mr. Obama will be the first black president.

Despite their interest in current events, the Chartiers Valley Middle School students said they would prefer to use their leadership skills outside of politics.

Matt said he would consider being president, but, he said, "I think I'd rather become a shortstop for the [New York] Yankees."