Inauguration Day at Cooper High

Every classroom at Cooper High School might have a television, but its more than just the history classes tuning into the presidential inauguration. Its the whole school!

"The interest and impact that it's having on our students and the faculty... it's kind of a first for Cooper High School," say Martin Garcia, Associate Principal.

Almost every television on campus will be tuned into the inauguration events. The school will set up their big screen in the auditorium where up to one thousand people can watch the ceremony live from Washington. Students, faculty, and staff can also watch all the events happening in the library and learning resource center. The plasma screens in the hallway and cafeteria will also be tuned into CNN.

"It's a historic occasion, any presidential inauguration we're going to take advantage of it, it only comes around every four years," says Melinda Rausch.

Ms. Rausch teaches US History and AP Government.

"Many of my seniors are really excited, several of them were 18 at the time of the election, and so they did get a chance to vote for the first time, and that's always exciting," says Rausch.

Her students will watch the inauguration events in class, which helps enhance several of the lessons they learn in class.

"It's going to be incredible," says Niko Nante, a CHS senior, "we're going to get to watch it in government, so we're not missing out on anything."

There is also something else that caught Niko's attention about Obama's inauguration, it falls right after Martin Luther King Day, which resonates with him as an African American.

"Martin Luther King showed us the way, and Obama's just going to take us home," says Niko, "and show us that he can do it as a Black, African-American president."