CHEROKEE — Plane tickets, check. White House clearance, check. Inaugural Ball gown, check.

Come Jan. 16, Cherokee High School English teacher Kathy Hays will be en route to Washington, D.C., where she’ll witness firsthand history-in-the-making with the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

She’s been there before, actually four years ago when Obama was inaugurated the first time. But that doesn’t make this occasion any less special.

As a member of the People to People Leadership Ambassador program (since 2007), Hays was invited to a return trip where she’ll be part of an alumni group of ambassadors and U.S. and international students participating in educational tours. She will also attend the Ambassador Program Inaugural Ball and ultimately the inauguration and presidential address on Jan. 21 on the National Mall.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.