Cannon School students traveling to inauguration

CONCORD — Nearly four dozen Cannon School students are heading to Washington, D.C. to witness the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama.

"Rather than studying history from afar, we're seeing it unfold while becoming a part of it," says Shayne Cokerdem, head of the Upper School. "An experience like this will help our students connect what they're learning in school with what is happening in their world."

Upper School social studies teacher Howard Clark began planning the trip months ago and a full itinerary of events awaits the 46 Cannon School students and seven faculty chaperones making the trip. Kannapolis students Eric Altamura, Carson Coggins and Taylor Williams are among those going on the trip.

One Cannon School student, Francisca Gilmore, will get an even closer look. She received a ticket from U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan's office that will allow her to watch the ceremony from the viewing area directly in front of the U.S. Capitol.

This won't be the first time Gilmore has seen President-Elect Obama make history. The senior from Davidson was in the audience for his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last August.

"The feeling at Obama's acceptance speech was incredible," says Gilmore. "The inauguration will be that times a million and we get to see it firsthand. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it."

Students will also visit the Smithsonian museums, the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol, Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery.