Experiencing the Inauguration

Thanks to teachers and technology, Lower, Middle and Upper School students gathered across Hawken`s two campuses to witness history as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Hawken`s technology department pulled out all the stops to project the ceremony in high definition in three public places. At the Lyndhurst campus Lower School students gathered in the Chapel and Middle School students assembled in the dining hall. On the Gates Mills Campus students watched the broadcast in Kennedy Auditorium. Fourth grade teacher Diane Siska reported from the Lower School, "The children seemed to understand the significance of this event, and clapped at all the +óGé¼-£right places` in President Obama`s speech." After the ceremony, her class returned to their classroom to discuss what they thought were the most important aspects of President Obama`s speech. For fifth graders the inauguration was the culmination of a unit of study on the election process where students learned about the path to the presidency, researched the candidates and their stand on the top three issues, conducted a mock election and learned about the Electoral College. The Upper School`s Public Opinion and American Policy Course, taught by Head of School Scott Looney, gathered for a special luncheon and viewing of the inauguration at Mr. Looney`s home. While the inauguration viewing required changes in schedules and plans, the coming together of teachers and students mirrored the coming together of countless citizens for this momentous occasion.