KEY POINTS:
When Natasha Paul read that she was off to the White House in Washington DC she thought it was a joke.
She was doing her homework when her parents burst into the living room waving a letter of congratulations.
"My mum thought it was a hoax," Natasha said.
The 12-year-old Diocesan School student had no idea the teacher of the school's gifted programme had nominated her for the People to People World Leadership Forum.
Her teacher confirmed she had put Natasha's name forward and that she had been selected for her academic achievement and leadership potential.
In April Natasha will join a group of students from around the world to tour Washington DC and its surroundings.
The group will visit the White House, sit in on Congress and may even catch a glimpse of President Barack Obama who Natasha thinks is "certainly someone to look up to".
"I think it will be a busy place, and this is one of the best times to go," she said.
Natasha is also excited about visiting the International Spy Museum and meeting other students.
She will be brushing up on her American history before she leaves.
