What’s more special than seeing a presidential candidate in person in Porter County? Getting selected to ask a question. And what’s even more special than that? Getting to meet the candidate and get your photograph taken with him or her -- all at the age of 8.

That’s exactly what happened to Zakary Jones, a Liberty Elementary School second grader who saw Hillary Clinton speak in Washington Township in unincorporated Porter County on Saturday.

Jones, who turned 9 today, went to the Clinton speech with his parents and, during the question period, stood up on a chair and raised his hand. After Clinton called on him, he asked: “What are you going to do about education?” Clinton gave a lengthy response, which included a promise to end the No Child Left Behind Act, prompting what may have been her loudest standing ovation.

Right after Clinton’s speech, Zakary’s mom, Tracy Naillieux, ran up with Zakary near the front of the stage so that her son could meet the presidential candidate, said Zakary’s dad, Roger Jones.

Roger said he had no idea that Zakary planned to ask a question, but that he probably asked what he did because he has overheard his parents talk a lot about education. Somewhat ironically, Roger said his wife and Zakary didn’t want to go to the event, but he convinced them to go. He said he told them: “You’ll be glad you did.”

Posted 4/15/2008