GARY | A group of Gary high school students will be among those gathered in Washington, D.C., in January for the presidential inauguration.

Seniors from Roosevelt, West Side and Lew Wallace high schools, as well as a delegation from the Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts, were awarded scholarships Friday afternoon by the Barden Gary Foundation.

The foundation, established by Majestic Star Casino owner Don Barden, provides Gary students with educational incentives, including college scholarships. Chareice White, the foundation's president, said students were invited to enter the competition by making a DVD presentation conveying what was going on in the nation from their perspective.

Shaniqua Burden, a senior at West Side High, made a DVD about the importance of education and highlighted an autistic New York high school student who came off the bench and shot five baskets for his team in 2006 and the rise of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

"All we need to do is strive for excellence," Burden said in her presentation.

Alex Torrez, also a West Side senior, said that while she's 17 years old and unable to vote, this year's election is important for many reasons and highlighted environmental concerns in her video.

"There is no quick fix. Each one of us can impact and improve the situation by finding new sources of energy," she said.

Lew Wallace senior Myleesa Gaston made a dramatic video, complete with a cast, while Roosevelt High senior Aaron Mercer highlighted his time at the American Legion Boys Nation convention in Washington, D.C., which included a meeting with President Bush.

The four seniors, along with 10 students from Emerson, will witness the presidential inauguration, parade and get a firsthand view of how government works.

"This is the trip of a lifetime," White said.

State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, encouraged the students to continue their education and remarked on Obama's candidacy and the inspiration it is providing students.

"Excellence and education is how you're going to be the leaders you are. If you continue to do your best, you will be the best," Gary Mayor Rudy Clay said.