Students and teacher witness history as it unfolds

Post date: Jan 25, 2017 12:30:39 PM

On January 20th, millions of people in the U.S watched television to see Republican Donald J. Trump become the 45th president of the United States, this following a seemingly long and divisive presidential election campaign. The Nielsen ratings service--not counting Internet viewing—indicated that the live U.S. television audience for the inauguration reached 30.6 million.

Among those watching at noon were many school students across the country including the 7th grade class at Wells Junior High School viewing the event from four different classrooms.

In the room of Social Studies teacher Bruce Peloquin students observed the proceedings on a Smartboard as the once-every-four-year event unfolded. Peloquin’s 24 students sat silently, glued to the big screen as they took in the historic scenes including the administering of the oath of office by Chief Justice Roberts, the 21-gun salute and the inaugural address. Soon after it was time to move on to the next class.

"It was cool to have a chance to watch the inauguration,” commented 7th grade student Brady Fox." Sitting next to Fox was his classmate Colby Bolduc who added, “I liked seeing history being made as the president took the oath of office. I know not all schools had a chance to watch...”

"The ceremony that occurred today was not a red nor blue ceremony,” commented Peloquin. “It was not a Republican nor Democrat ceremony. It was truly an American ceremony showing the peaceful exchange of power. It is important for our students to learn that even during contentious times, we are a government of laws, not of people.”

Peloquin continued, “Those laws pass peacefully from one president to another. A pretty remarkable event when you think about it. We look to the Constitution of our country to assure our students that the first three words, 'We the People' affirms that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens, and its citizens must live up to the hope and idealism those words offer all Americans."

Watching the presidential inauguration with their classmates and teacher at WJHS on January 20, 2017 is (l to r) 7th grade students Brady Fox and Colby Bolduc.