St. Leo’s Makes Obama Inauguration its Own

by: A.G. • January 27, 2009 

January 20, 2009 was no ordinary school day for the students of St. Leo the Great! It was Inauguration Day– the day President Barack Obama was sworn in, and this did not go unrecognized at school.

A very special day was planned for the students, parents, and staff. Everyone came to school dressed up fancy in black and white, looking so nice. When people arrive to the front doors, there was even a red carpet at the entrance!

In the morning every class was able to watch the Inauguration on television. Eighth and second grade got an opportunity to watch it in the auditorium projected on a huge screen. The student council had their own section to sit in.

Everyone there held hands at the defining moment that Barack Obama was made our official president.

Afterwards, back in their classrooms, the students did presidential-related activities. Some of the lower grades colored in pictures of Obama while the eighth grade worked on packets about the history of the presidency.

Just before lunch, people got a chance to have their picture taken with the President. Except, it was a life-sized cardboard cutout of Barack Obama. After that it was lunch time and every class got the opportunity to have a delicious catered lunch– baked chicken, rice pilaf, green beans, and Caesar salad. (The students had to order and pay for the lunch ahead of time).

In the afternoon there was a special prayer service held in honor of President Obama, with songs, poems, and reflections.

During the morning assembly on the school yard, principal Mrs. Simril told the students, “When those of us who were the adults in your lives and the authoritative figures are long gone, and someone asks you 40 or 50 years from now, ‘Where were you on the day when President Barack Obama was inaugurated?’ ”

St. Leo’s students were at school, celebrating the inauguration with him!

by Andrea Granera, 8th grade
Editor / THE LION LEDGER