Most students at Western Hills Design Technology High School weren't able to be in Washington, D.C., for the Inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States.
So, 125 students were invited to an Inauguration Celebration of their own in the school's auditorium. The price of admission was having good attendance and classroom work.
The invitees knew they were a part of history because President Obama is the first African-American to occupy the White House.
"This election has made me feel glad to be called an African American," said sophomore Steven Lynn, who helped lead the singing of the National Anthem.
Junior Brandy Hammitt stood next to him and said she was so emotional that she could have broken into tears at any time.
The auditorium was decorated with artwork created by students to make the participants.
"I wanted to give the people here a feeling that they were there to see this great moment in history," said sophomore Tyler Perry, who worked on a large drawing of the U.S. Capitol.
Donovan Johnson was on the team drawing the White House for the new First Family.
"I'd have to say it actually did inspire me to work harder," Johnson said.
Prior to the swearing-in ceremonies, senior Nico Carter read passages from writings of President Abraham Lincoln prior to the Civil War.
"There need be no bloodshed or war. There is no necessity for it," Carter stated. "There will be no bloodshed unless it is forced upon the government and then it will be an act compelled in self-defense."
During the campaign, President Obama kept up two themes of change and home. Sophomore Tamika Swaim used both in a presentation on the necessity of change.
As Barack Obama raised his right hand and placed his left hand on a Bible to take the oath, the auditorium got very quiet.
When he recited the words, "So help me, God," students and teachers stood, applauded and shouted "Yes, we can!"
Sitting in the front row was Trisha Mackie who was in tears as her mind wandered to her late grandfather, who had served in World War II.
"I'm so happy, I can't believe it," she said between sobs. "I wish my Grandpa could see it."
Standing off to the side monitoring the gathering was Math teacher Ralph Moon, dressed in a tuxedo.
"Even though I'm not in Washington, D.C., I'm not going to take away from the occasion by not being dressed in an appropriate manner," he said.
In his inauguration speech, Mr. Obama urged Americans to "Pick themselves up, dust themselves off – and begin anew the remaking of America."
That caught the ear of Jamar Taylor, who was decked out in red, white and blue as "Uncle Sam" for the celebration.
"I think he symbolizes to America that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it and stay focused," Taylor said.
He also was moved when the President called for a new era of responsibility. Taylor vowed to keep working hard, stay in school, stay out of trouble and keep on the right track.
Student Arliss Wilson said he supports that goal adding, "I want to do everything I can to help."
Sophomore Steven Meyer echoed that sentiment.
"Maybe create a club or something where every kind is allowed," Meyer said. "We hang around, do stuff and clean up the community. Just make sure everyone is ia part of everything."
The celebration was designed to show that social studies and civics involved just more than books and classroom work.
"This isn't some far off place. This is democracy in action," said social studies teacher Jennifer Lewis-Thornton. "So, when you sit in class and read in the history books what happened – what they used to do – well, that's you now. You all are making history right now."
"Never again can a young African-America say 'I can't,'" Lewis-Thornton continued. "Because, it's been done."
She urged the students to fast-forward ahead 20 years and think of opening history books with their children.
"It's going to be your history because this is your moment," she continued. "If you want this nation to be great – if you want your high school experience to be better – you have to do it. You have to be accountable and I know that you can."
Tyler Perry took that to heart.
"You always see your grandparents and your elders tell you these moments were great and I get to get to be a part of that," he said. "I can tell my kids and grandkids one day of this momentous occasion."
