Eyes on Obama; Some make trek to D.C., others plan to watch on TV

Saturday, July 18, 2009 3:06 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

Staff report

Hundreds of Rowan County residents are among the millions heading to Washington, D.C., this week to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, school children, college students, party activists and countless others are planning to watch the historic event on television — and make it a teaching moment.

Busloads depart today from Sandy Ridge AME Zion Church in Landis, from East Spencer and other points. Those heading to the nation's capital include high school students involved in leadership programs and longtime Democratic activists.

Among local leaders, Susan Kluttz, the mayor of Salisbury, and Dr. Jimmy Jenkins, the president of Livingstone College will be in Washington on Tuesday.

Thousands staying in Rowan will suspend their regular activities to watch the historic moment on television.

Inaugurations festivities are set to begin at 10 a.m. on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, with Obama taking the oath of office by noon.

Here's a brief look at some of the plans by area schools for the inauguration.

- Catawba College: Students will watch the inauguration ceremonies at the Cannon Student Center on campus.

The Department of History and Politics has arranged for a widescreen television in the Leonard Lounge area of the Student Center.

Members of two of Dr. Michael Bitzer's political science classes, one on the presidency and the other on public policy, will be front and center among the viewers.

They will be quizzed on Obama's inaugural address and asked to grade the new president on his presentation and message.

- Livingstone College: Activities will include a program in Varick Auditorium at 9 a.m.

The morning event will include discussion and comments from student leaders and local government and community leaders

An inaugural ball for students will be held Tuesday evening.

- Schools: Public and private schools throughout the area will also have special programs and activities tied to the inauguration.

At Knox Middle School, students plant to dress up. Eighth-grader sare presenting excerpts from the inaugural addresses of past presidents as part of their social studies classes. And students will be watching the inauguration on TV.

Nearly four dozen students from Cannon School in Concord are making the trip to Washington, D.C. to witness history in the making.