West Philadelphia High Student Is Invited Dignitary For State Of The Union Address

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's the day before President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address and State of the Union and Brandon Ford is trying on his new suit for the trip to Washington.

He says it's the first suit he has ever owned.

Not only is he going to watch the address, he and his mother are sitting in the First Lady's viewing box for the Presidential speech.

He says, "I was overwhelmed," when hearing the news about the event.

Back in September, Brandon and fellow classmates from West Philadelphia High School were invited to the White House to congratulate them for their role in the nation's EVX project, an experimental electric car competition.

West Philly High was the only high school in the finals category.

But when they got to the White House gate, Brandon found he left his identification at home and was not allowed inside.

His mother Linda Jackson said, "He was just so disappointed, you could tell, which surprised me how disappointed he was."

The White House staff said they would try to make something work, and last Thursday they came through, calling Brandon to invite him to attend the President's State of the Union Address, and to come as a dignitary. He told his mom the wonderful news.

"I really didn't pay it no mind until it truly sunk in, but I was truly shocked and very proud," said Linda.

Brandon says this is truly an honor, but he's also says he's learned a valuable lesson, "to bring my ID everywhere I go now."

Reported By Dave Huddleston, CBS 3