Speculating on what this event might be could be more fun than speculating whether there'll be a Canon 3D, or what a 5DIII should or shouldn't include.
I'm guessing it's Oprah interviews Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.
On a more serious note, if this is such an enormous event, why are the organisers only allowing one photographer: a 19 year old with no experience of supplying pix to Big Media? Big risk.
Why not just tip off your local experienced Reuters or AP photographer?
You're in Tucson, so my suggestion would be to call ASMP Tucson and get advice from someone there. Rick Peterson's the main contact, and his info is here. They're lovely people.
I'm not sure AP would be the best place as they would just want to sell the pix to every paper for $5, neither is photo shelter. The advice to contact asmp is the best so far as you want to figure out how to both control and monetize this opportunity. If its as big as you say a picture agent / agency is the way to go.
Once the shots hit the web ( if it's what you say) there will be rampant copyright infringement, having someone on your side to monitor and enforce your rights will be worth whatever % they take.
I used to be with a picture agency but the went belly up a while ago
It looks like the photos were credited to the representative's office and distributed by AP. I found one of Giffords removing the flag from the memorial in her office, and one of her with her husband on at the Gabe Zimmerman memorial trailhead.
