'Inspirational;' Columbus students watch democracy in action during inauguration
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — As the nation watched President Biden and Vice President Harris each take the oath of office, students watched as well. Some classrooms included the Inauguration in their lesson for the day.
Students at Columbus Humanities, Arts & Technology Academy had their eyes glued to their classroom projector as they watched the inauguration of 46th President Joe Biden.
GALLERY: The 2021 Inauguration of President Joe Biden
"It was breathtaking. It was very inspirational. I had chills sitting there,” said Isata Mansaray, student.
This year, it was no ordinary Inauguration Day, coming just days after a mob stormed the U.S. capitol. Some schools chose not to show the inauguration, out of concern for potential violence.
However, educators at the Columbus Humanities, Arts & Technology Academy chose not to shy away and instead embraced the moment and allowed the students to watch it live.
"It made me have hope for the future. Not to be too corny but when I heard that they all had such passion towards this I was like yeah, let's watch this and celebrate the future that I have in front of me,” said Ian George, Science teacher.
In some classrooms, they were breaking down the facts and the timeline of the American government ritual and celebrating the first time a woman of color takes her place as vice president.
In other classrooms, there was pure focus, taking every moment in.
"It really captured the president's opening speech going into office,” said Mansaray.
Even after the ceremony, several students continued to discuss the highlights and the impact of the event on the future.
"I just feel like it's really important to look to the future especially with Kamala Harris being the first Black vice president, and at that a woman. It's just really important and I feel like a lot of younger girls will look at her and be inspired and feel like they can do the same,” said John Marius, student.
