Huntington Beach 3rd-grader who aspires to be ‘first girl president’ bumps into Bill Clinton after golf lesson

When third-grader Ava Duron’s golf lesson came to an end, another kind of lesson began – this one in American government.

Ava and her dad happened upon former President Bill Clinton as they were leaving SeaCliff Country Club in Huntington Beach Saturday, Jan. 19.

“He had just finished up his game and he was walking around chatting with people,” said Tony Duron, 40, a commercial banker. “Ava recognized him right away. She’s pretty up to date on current events.”

Demonstrating a remarkable vocabulary for an 8-year-old, the Huntington Beach girl said Clinton’s “entourage” caught her eye.

Duron urged his daughter to introduce herself. Although shy, “She walked right up to him and said, ‘Hi, Mr. President,’” Duron said. “He asked her name and wrapped his arms around her, even though the Secret Service was trying to hustle him along.”

Ava, a student at Peterson Elementary, recalled her first impressions: “He’s really nice and he’s really tall.”

Of course, her proud father snapped photos of the encounter and texted them to his wife – a real estate agent who, at the moment, was conducting an open house.

Jennifer Duron, 45, excitedly shared the pictures with potential buyers.

“What better selling point than former presidents stopping by our local establishments?” she said.

Clinton was in town to speak at the World Patient Safety Science & Technology Summit, held at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort.

Tony Duron, who describes himself as leaning conservative, said he did not hear any partisan grumblings about Clinton’s presence.

“Everyone was welcoming and gracious, and respected the prestige of the office,” he said.

“I appreciate that President Clinton could have chosen something more exclusive, but he visited our family-oriented golf course,” Duron added. “It was an honor and privilege for Ava to meet him.”

Ava’s short-term plans involve taking the photos to class this week for show and tell.

Her long-term aspirations are much grander: “I want to be a professional tennis player, a professional golfer, a baker and the first girl president.”