Students become part of history

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Barack Obama will make history when he is sworn in as the first African American president of the United States. Some Lafayette Jeff High School students will watch it happen.

"We're actually going to go see the inauguration in D.C.," said Miguel Gonzalez, a Jefferson High School senior.

Senior Miguel Gonzalez and more than 30 other students will take a bus to the Capitol.  U.S. History teacher Todd Garrett said he has organized many student trips to Washington D.C., but none like this.

"It's going to be quite an experience with the crowds they're expecting, so we're really looking forward to it," he said.

"I'm very excited about this because I've never been to an inauguration before. I've always wanted to be a part of history, so I figure this would be a good experience for me," said Jessica Dexter, Jefferson High School junior.

"I've always had an interest in politics but it's also a really crucial time in the U.S. right now and it's just kind of, it's a beginning of a new era, or it should be. So it's really important and it's kind of a once in a lifetime chance," added Gonzalez.

Garrett hopes this experience will encourage the students to be more excited about government.

"A lot of times they don't feel like they're connected, they don't feel like they have any voice, they don't feel like they have any way to affect what's going on. So maybe with this trip, having been there, knowing they've seen this new administration begin, I think they'll have a buy into it. It's more personal," said Garrett.

The group departs Sunday night, and plans to watch the inauguration Tuesday morning from the public viewing area along the National Mall.