Sailors at the Inauguration

THANK YOU!

2009-01-22T14:22:00.001-08:00

The students and I would like to thank all of our sponsers making our unforgetable trip a success:
As students of Mona Shores High School, we would like to thank some very generous and helpful community members in helping make our trip to the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. a reality. Special thanks to Congressman Peter Hoekstra for securing tickets to the inauguration ceremony, as we know these are in very high demand!

We are attending a weeklong insiders guide to the Inauguration activities as part of the Close Up Foundation. This once in a lifetime, amazing experience will give us the opportunity to share first hand not only with our peers when we come back to school but also with our family and even our own children and grandchildren someday. We have witnessed and experienced what the history textbooks will be writing about.

The following community members and businesses have financially contributed to our journey to Washington (which is not supported with tax dollars from Mona Shores Public Schools). We couldn’t be more thankful for their support and belief in us and would like to publicly recognize them: Conn Geneva & Robinson CPA, Dr. Michael J. Fischer, Dr. J. Todd Hunt, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, Muskegon Commerce Bank, Nichols Paper Company, National City Bank, Mona Shores Teachers’ Education Association, Mona Shores Education Foundation, and Norton Shores Mayor Jerry Wiersma.

Finally, we would like to thank the high school administration of Mona Shores Public Schools for permitting us to be away from school and participate in this historic event.

Sincerely,

Sara Jones, Gabe Herman, Chris Enders, Liz Rich (students of MSHS), and Vickie Swanson (Close Up advisor and MSHS history teacher)

Holocaust Museum

2009-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Today the students went through the Holocaust Museum. It was an emotionally draining time for all those who went. We spoke for some time about the meaning of the above sign. The students remarked about what they have learned in school about Darfur and other nations around our current world relating to genocide. Please read their reactions below.

Teacher Ball

2009-01-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Teachers from around the country gathered to celebrate the Inauguration.

Students Meet with Pete Hoekstra

2009-01-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

Liz Rich asked Congressman Hoekstra about his plans after announcing he will not run for another term and his response "The probability of running for Governor is very high" "I suspect my wife and I will make the decision to announce very soon"!!!

Meeting with Hoekstra and Holocaust Museum

2009-01-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

For today's activities we went to visit our congressman and went to see the Holocaust museum. Our visit with Peter Hoekstra was no less than expected. He came in to see us for about thirty minuets so we could thank him for our inauguration tickets and ask him a few questions. As I anticipated he answered our questions straight forward and fast paced. It was nice to see him and get some insight on him face to face. Now the Holocaust museum, that was spectacular and very disturbing. I can't explain to you the feeling you get walking through the museum and I don't intend to try. If I did I would definitely undermined the purpose, feeling, and story of the souls the museum is dedicated to. All I can say is you MUST go see this before you die! Overall it was a good day and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
-Gabriel Herman

Today we visited the Holocaust museum, and it lived up to its reputation. The people viewing the exhibits were silent, either out of respect or out of shock. Either way, it served as a tribute to the millions who died in the genocide, as well as a warning to the future. Unfortunately, though, the warning was unheard. Whenever an atrocity like this occurs, everyone says "never again," as if simply making the statement will alter the future. After World War II, we pledged that never again would we allow these crimes to be committed. And we did the same thing after Rwanda. And Saddam Hussein's chemical bombings. These kinds of things are still happening, such as in Darfur. That was all I could think during the visit: This isn't over. World War II is over and the Holocaust is over, but genocide is not over despite the constant cries of "never again." Hate is not over. Violence isn't over. These crimes may be committed by different people for different purpose, but it's all the same in the end. If you ever visit the museum, do not view it through the eyes of a twenty-first century person looking at the past. Look at it as if it were still happening, because as with the rest of history, the world needs to learn from its mistakes.
-Chris Enders

It was a very exciting experience meeting our representative, Peter Hoekstra. He answered questions about world events, special committees, education, Michigan, and his future. Our questions were given in-depth answers and we were given insight into the world of politics. We were very fortunate to have met with him. As we were leaving, other politicians were gathering for a meeting and he also had multiple meetings before we arrived. The staff was helpful and friendly; it was a welcoming place. I was very impressed with our meeting and learning more about Peter Hoekstra.
-Sara Jones

Today we visited the National Holocaust Museum. As we went through the exhibit; looked at pictures; and watched the videos; the reality of this event came to life. After we finished walking through the museum we were able to meet with a survivor of Auschwitz, Helen Goldkind. She was originally from Czechoslovakia and was the only survivor along with her sister from her family of nine. She urged us to never let a child suffer the way the children did in the Holocaust. Her advice made me think about the events going on in Darfur. I realized that we need to act now to stop this situation that is identical to the Holocaust.
-Liz Rich

Inaugural Dance

2009-01-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Chris Enders, Liz Rich, Sara Jones, Gabe Herman beautiful for the Inauguration Dance!

2009-01-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

Standing in line at 4 a.m.

Waiting on the metro inauguration morning

The Inaugural Balls

2009-01-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

The students and teachers attended formal Close Up Inaugural Balls last night. It was a very long and exhausting day but the students so enjoyed themselves last night. The teacher Ball was also a great time. We are all recovering from our sleep deprivation today and continuing our study of D.C. today. Tomorrow we are meeting with Pete Hoekstra and going to the Holocaust Museum. Many people have already left the city and it is quickly getting back to the normal hustle and bustle of D.C. Pictures of the Dances to come!

Patriotic Pics

2009-01-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

Gabe Herman

Chris Enders

Getting the very best picture possible! Liz and Sara were willing to climb to any heights to achieve the very best seat in the house!

Pictures of the Monumental Day

2009-01-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Our "POST" 3rd and Maryland

MONA SHORES PATRIOTIC FANS!

Sara Jones

Vickie Swanson

Liz Rich

Barack Obama is OUR President!

2009-01-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Reactions from our students:

"The World is Changed and We must Change with it" - Obama
This is the most truthful and yet misunderstood quote that President Obama said this morning. It is true that he world has been making dramatic changes throughout the past eight years, and to be honest, we have fallen behind on our duty to the world. We are involved in a seemingly endless war, instead of following the way it has proven to work many times over. Which would is to be a peace keeper and beacon; that is how I believe relations should be handled. We are America this not how we should carry our selves and expect others to follow us. We need to expand within our selves and renew our world status. I believe that President Obama knows these truths and will definitely change things for the better.
-Gabriel Herman

Those of us on the Metro at 4:00 a.m. broke out into chant while standing shoulder to shoulder "Fired Up Ready to GO"
The feeling of unity provided by the simple chant was enough to prepare us for the inauguration, but when you look at the bare bones of Obama's message, "Fired up, ready to go" becomes much more than a simple chant. Whether or not you agree with his politics, you have to admit that our President is an inspirational character. Obama has consistently given us the same message since the beginning of his campaign: We are the change that we seek. Everyone wants progress, but it seems that most people sat back and waited for the government to make their lives better. President Obama holds a significant amount of sway over the American populace, and with that influence, he has inspired people to take the fate of the world in to their own hands. That, more than anything, is what America needs.
-Chris Enders

"People judge you on what you can build not destroy" -Barack Obama
Obama's inaugural speech was focused on peace and change. This quote represents what Obama's focus will be in the next four years - building up our nation, and others. He feels that our country would do better with hope instead of fear and despair. The crowd seemed to share his hopeful outlook. We didn't see any protesters or anyone with negative attitudes. The whole time we stood in lines and in crowds everyone was excited for our new president. The experience was amazing and now we can all say that we attended this historical inauguration.
-Sara Jones

"Our patchwork heritage is a strength." - Obama
As I witnessed the inauguration, I could see the unity that our country has established. Throughout our history, unity has not always been in sight. As we remembered Martin Luther King Jr. and his message this week, I realized many of his beliefs are shared with President Obama. The differences of Americans should not be diffused, but embraced. The brotherhood I saw in the crowds, on the metro, and waiting in lines, showed that America is changing. We are embracing one anther's differences and I am so excited to see President Obama's presidency and the continuing changes he makes toward MLK's dream. This week has been unforgettable and something that will be with me for the rest of my life. - Liz Rich

My thoughts:
As we boarded the metro train at 4:00 a.m. I could feel the message that would prevail through out the day "inclusiveness". Millions of people came to the city today to witness history and I am yet to witness any negative attitudes and actually much of the opposite; optimism was seen by all of those who attended the ceremony festivities today. With the largest security event under place there was confusion, but this was purposeful. Nobody knew what roads were going to be closed, where the checkpoints would be, which metro was coming or going even the MPDC admitted over and over the security police were changing openings and closers moment to moment which made things a bit chaotic although everyone seemed to be at peace with the idea of just being in the moment. It was in deed a momentous occasion. In his speech Obama spoke to the current generation, laying out a vision he made his speech with complete conviction and at that time we embraced a pivot point for American History. We are here witnessing a moment that is going to define generations. With great Dignity Barack Obama has taken the oath of office, given his speech and has become our 44th President of the United States of America. Today, myself and students stood with millions of others; Americans of all race, gender and ethnicity's to embrace our time to begin a new. I am very proud of my students today as they represented their school with great pride.

The Night Before

2009-01-19T17:45:00.001-08:00

Tonight I met with the students and told them "Take a mental picture tomorrow and place it in your memory forever" We can buy buttons, t-shirts and other keepsakes but the very best thing we can take back with us is our memories and our stories. It is easy to go through this day and forget what significance it has on our country. No matter what ones political views tomorrow we are witnessing a very special part of the United States History and dreams. I want these children to be proud of this opportunity, appreciate the day and most of all bring back memories to share with generations. We will be leaving our hotel at 4a.m. to catch the 1st or 2nd Metro out of our city and down to the Capitol Mall where we will be waiting in line for about 3 hours before we enter our silver section. The students and teachers will attend separate Balls in the evening. Can not wait to share our day with you!

WE HAVE THE TICKETS

2009-01-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today I picked up the Inauguration Invitations, Program and TICKETS! We feel very special to have the tickets, people came up to me a couple different times during the day asking if they could just take pictures of the tickets! We are thankful to Peter Hoekstra and his office for helping make our memories here at the Inauguration.

The students are THRILLED to be holding the tickets, they are the only students on Close Up with the ticketed sections.

2009-01-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

WWII memorial Michigan - The students studied War Memorials

Chris Enders

Beautiful Capitol Building in the evening!

2009-01-19T05:57:00.001-08:00

More comments and pictures from Gabe and Chris coming this evening, they have been too busy to give up the camera or stop in for a quote but we have a student teacher meeting tonight!

2009-01-19T05:56:00.000-08:00

Students View at the "We are One" Concert

Liz, Sara and their roommates along with an added friend

Some on lookers climbed up in trees to get a glimpse of the artists and the President Elect

Bruce Springsteen was one of the many talented artists to preform

2009-01-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

The Students enjoyed monument study visits during the day on Sunday

Liz Rich

Students View at the "We are One" Concert

"We are One" Concert

2009-01-19T05:46:00.000-08:00

Marine One flew over head carrying President Bush back from Camp David, one of his final trips on Marine One

My roommate from Marshall High School, MI. Kelly Oaks

"WE ARE ONE" Concert - here you can see a glimpse of the magnitude

Students Thoughts on the Concert Sunday

2009-01-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

The concert was great. Some of us stood halfway up the reflection pool near the Lincoln Memorial and could see the performers on stage. The crowd stretched back all the way back to the Washington Monument. Biden's and Obama's speeches were exciting along with all of the other famous people. Everyone you could think of was there. All of the speeches were about past presidents. It was a really great experience. -Sara Jones

The inaugural concert was an amazing way to start a new chapter in our country. Everyone there was filled with pride and shared joy and excitement with each other of a new president. The speakers and performers were uplifting and inspirational. It was an unforgettable experience that has made me even more excited for Tuesday! I feel greatful for being able to witness history. -Liz Rich

AMAZING!

2009-01-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

The concert today was amazing! Everyone left very proud to be an American! About 1 million people were in attendance lined from the Lincoln Memorial and back behind the Washington Monument. Biden and Obama both addressed the Americans with inspirations for the future, the readers and song artists were incredible focusing on our past Presidents and anxiously awaiting our future. I will post pictures as soon as I can get the kids camera's from the events hopefully later this evening or in the morning. The weather is decent mid-30's no snow! The mood in the city is electrifying yet calm, it was unbelievable that many people in one place and yet one could sense a calm peace among those in attendance.

2009-01-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

Our Hotel is Great

2009-01-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

Our Hotel Rooms are beautiful! It seems the students really like their roommates too.

We Have Landed!

2009-01-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

Sara Jones, Liz Rich, Vickie Swanson

Gabe Herman, Chris Enders, Sara Jones, Liz Rich

We have arrived safely in Washington D.C. The planes were at capacity, the airport was shoulder to shoulder....its a very busy place here! The students are already working in their workshops tonight. Sunday is going to be a very exciting day as the students will do study visits at the Jefferson Memorial and the Ronald Reagan Building International Trade Center and then we will all be attending the Inauguration festivities on the National Mall which will include performances by; Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Usher, Bruce Springsteen and many more. Historical Passages will be read by Jamie Foxx, Martink Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington..............can not wait!!!!

Check back Sunday evening for updates on all the festivities!