Schoolchildren witness history, after studying slavery, Civil War

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January 22, 2009

Schoolchildren witness history, after studying slavery

By Bethany Bray

Schoolchildren in classrooms and cafeterias across town were witness to history on Tuesday, as many watched the inauguration of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States and its first African-American commander in chief.

"It was too amazing to describe. I can't find the words," said High Plain Elementary fifth-grader Jack Schleifer after watching the inauguration. "It was the most amazing thing that has happened to me."

This fall, Schleifer volunteered with Obama's campaign, he said, while describing Tuesday's inauguration as "spectacular."

"It helps us realize the long way America has come. It's amazing that someone once thought unequal now has the highest position," said High Plain fifth-grader Prashasti Upadhyay. "It tells us those that fought in the Civil War didn't lose their lives for no reason. It helped change the future."

Fifth-graders in Joyce Rawlinson's class at High Plain Elementary watched the inauguration together, and the impact of an African-American commander in chief really hit home with students, she said, because they just finished a unit on slavery.

"It's unbelievable that we've gone from having slaves to having a black president," said fifth-grader Andrew Soucy. "It's inspiring. It makes me want to do something great for the world."

"I told the class, I hope you always remember where you were (as Obama was sworn in)," said Rawlinson. "It was special that we could watch it together as a class."

Youngsters at Shawsheen Primary School wore red, white and blue for inauguration day, Jan. 20, gathering in the gym, cafeteria and classrooms to watch the ceremony in groups.

First-graders in Susan Infantine's class had written to Principal Moira O'Brien, suggesting the idea for the school to wear patriotic colors for the occasion. As Obama delivered his first speech as U.S. president on Tuesday, Infantine's class sat on the floor, rapt. Waving flags they had colored and made in class, the children wore their most patriotic garb, many with flags, stars, stripes or Obama's face emblazoned on their shirts.

"He's one-of-a-kind," said first-grader Grant Soltes, who wore a sweater with an American flag knitted on the front and an Obama pin.

One thing that surprised Grant and his classmates? "How many people there are (on the Mall in Washington, D.C.)," he said.

First-grader Molly Graw, who wore a pink T-shirt that read "Obama Kid," said the day was "exciting."

Infantine said her class had been talking about the inauguration and incorporating it into history and other lessons. As a homework assignment, each student wrote a letter to the new president, which Infantine will mail this week, she said.

In their letters, the first-graders asked Obama to keep their families safe, outlaw smoking, and ensure there are no more wars and that every citizen has enough food and is treated fairly.

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

Thoughts about Barack Obama's inauguration on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from Andover school children:

"It made me thankful, to know we're in good hands," said Emma Horn, a High Plain Elementary fifth-grader. "It was overwhelming (to watch) because he's the first black president."

"I think a lot of things will change because we have a new president. People will respect one another more." — High Plain fifth-grader Colleen Mullins

What words would you use to describe Obama's inauguration?

"Powerful, especially his speech." — High Plain fifth-grader Angelo Cerbone

"Historical." — High Plain fifth-grader Steven Schuhwerk

"It makes me feel safe." — Shawsheen School first-grader Catherine Dankens

"Freedom, and let it ring. I'm feeling happy and excited." — Shawsheen School first-grader Ellie Pendleton

"Awesome." — Henry Grebe, Shawsheen School first-grader