Mr. Shah goes to Washington

By Ray Pitz

The Beaverton Valley Times, Jan 24, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Sunset High School sophomore Priyam Shah accompanied representatives from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry last week, traveling to Washington, D.C., to receive a prestigious award from First Lady Laura Bush.

Shah, 15, landed in the nation’s capital on Jan. 13, accompanied by his father, Chetan Shah, and OMSI President Nancy Stueber to accept the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

The award is distributed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for extraordinary community service. Along with the award comes $10,000 to recognize museums and libraries that use innovative and effective methods to attain a level of public service that goes beyond the norm.

Shah said he was recommended by OMSI staff to attend the event. He has been a member of the museum’s Rising Stars volunteer youth program since the summer of 2006.

Shah said he heard the good news that he would be traveling to Washington just before winter break.

“I was actually surprised,” he said. “My dad called me. He called me at school. I was like, ‘what?’”

The museum and library recipients are chosen for their success in improving communities and making a difference in people’s lives.

“There were 10 total institutions that accepted the award,” said Shah.

The day after their arrival, Shah and his father arrived at the White House at 7:30 a.m.

“I was really excited,” he said. “We spent about 25 minutes in security stuff.”

After being cleared, they were escorted to the east room where President George W. Bush makes remarks to foreign dignitaries. They were then treated to what Shah called an “amazing” breakfast.

Shah said the First Lady made an impressive remark about the nature of the award she was presenting to all the groups, pointing out, “I have a great respect for libraries and museums because I live in a museum myself.”

After the award ceremony, they had a chance for some short chitchat with the First Lady before being allowed to tour portions of the White House.

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