While most teenagers take on an after school job to raise money for a new bike or computer, Bermudian Neva Lewis is saving up for something special – dinner with the next president of the United States.

"I was nominated to attend the 2009 Inaugural Dinner while at a youth conference," said Miss Lewis, 18, a Saltus Grammar School Post Graduate Year student.

"It is only a small number of people who are elected, and are able to go. I don't know of anyone from Bermuda who has been."

Her title for this occasion will be 'University Presidential Inaugural Crown Scholar'.

Miss Lewis has been recognised by the Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors which is 366 United States Senators and United States Representatives

Unfortunately, the young Bermudian and her family can't do it all on their own. They need the support of the Bermuda community.

Her family are looking to raise $3,000 to send Miss Lewis to the dinner on January 20, 2009.

The money is to pay for her full tuition, and travel plan protection and strict dress attire.

"Her application has to be in on March 14, 2008," said her aunt Leleath Bailey.

While attending CedarBridge Academy, Miss Lewis was nominated by a teacher to attend the Global Youth Leadership Conference and later the Global Youth Leadership Summit.

These conferences have led to great things for Miss Lewis. For one thing, she got to visit Europe.

"I went to Vienna, Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary, Budapest," she said. "It was beautiful going to those places. I loved seeing the architecture and historic sites."

Her favourite city was Vienna because of the history. She admitted she never imagined she would have the opportunity to visit them at such a young age.

She credits her mother Donna Minors and aunt Ms Bailey for encouraging her to follow her dreams.

"I'm not sure I would have gone to the conference if my aunt didn't push me," Miss Lewis said. "And my mom has always encouraged me to do my best."

And doing her best paid off for Miss Lewis at the Global Youth Leadership Conference.

"At one of the conferences I won a youth leadership award," said Miss Lewis. "It was a recognition in meritus achievement and scholarship, leadership and citizenship."

Miss Lewis has also won awards for academics and been on the honour roll throughout her schooling.

Ms Bailey, said her niece had been working a part-time job at Ace and Tempest Re to raise money to go to the event.

"She is learning a lot through this job because she has to go to different places," Ms Bailey said. "Living in Somerset she hasn't been around Hamilton a lot."

Miss Lewis is hoping to meet Democratic candidate Barack Obama while at the dinner.

"I have a feeling he is going to get in," said Miss Lewis. "I have been following politics very closely. If I ever got to meet him, I think I would ask him if he always felt confident he would become the president, or did he ever have his doubts he would win."

Miss Lewis said it would also be a feat if Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton became president. "She has come a long way as well," said Miss Lewis.

Her aunt said she has been encouraging Neva to keep up with the political scene since she went to the conference.

"I guess I am like the Rock of Gibraltar," said Ms Bailey. "I really want to see her succeed. My entire family are very proud of her."

A bank account has been opened for Miss Lewis at Butterfield Bank.

Telephone Ms Bailey at 298-7166 or Miss Lewis at 335-8863 for more information.