Warren County Middle and High School students gathered together in the Holliman Auditorium Tuesday to watch history being made with the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
The program began around 9:30 with a welcome by Larissa Hudson and invocation by Bianca Ficklin. Kentrell Latimore then delivered a few words relaying the importance of the day. Justin Alexander then led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance and Mykeia Carter sang The Star Spangled Banner.
Remarks were offered by school principals, Ja'net Bishop and Truett Abbott. Mr. Abbott said he was grateful to see this day after having lived through the early days of the civil rights movement.
"Today is the fulfillment of the American dream for many Americans," he said.
Students and faculty were not the only people who were in attendance to watch history in the making. Members of the community also came to the school to share in the experience.
"I could have been somewhere else today, but I felt a need to share this day with the younger generation and to see the reaction of the kids," said Naheede Brooks.
The importance of the day was not lost on the students of Warren County.
Jasmine Ruff, a WCHS sophomore said, "I think that Martin Luther King Jr. paved the way for Barack Obama, and now President Obama will pave the way for us."
Najaliqua Bradshaw said the day represented a shift in society.
"This day means to me that no longer does the color of your skin limit your level of success in life," she said. "Life is what you make of it."
