• Rubi Reyes •
• Originally published January 20, 2009 at 11:02 p.m., updated January 20, 2009 at 11:02 p.m.

Students at Dudley Magnet School wished the new president well as they watched him take the oath of office.

"Watching the inauguration for the first time was a good experience," Tivo Tristan, fifth-grader, said. "I hope President Obama does good and I wish him luck."

Victoria school district students were allowed to view the presidential inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

At Dudley Magnet School, a class of fourth graders ate lunch while watching the inauguration and after Aretha Franklin sang "God Bless America," the students stood up and cheered.

The students know the inauguration is a big part of United States history and they were excited about witnessing the occasion, Xochitl Comparan-Gonzalez, fourth-grade teacher, said.

"We have talked about this historical event throughout the school year," Comparan-Gonzalez said.

She said she was excited that her students understood the significance of this inauguration.

"This was the first inauguration that I was able to see and understand," student Brooks Seale said.

Brooks was 5 when George W. Bush was sworn in to office in 2005 and did not remember watching the event on television, he said.

"This is a historical day and it's pretty cool to be a witness," Brooks said.

Students in the class agreed with Brooks saying this is something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

"I will be able to tell my children that I saw the first African American president be sworn in," Taylor Rangel, fourth-grader, said.

The students were so excited about viewing the inauguration they could barely stay in their seats.

"I know he is the first black president and this is a very important part of history," Jacob Saenz, fourth-grader, said as he sat at the edge of his seat. "Let God protect Obama."

The school held a mock election in November with teachers informing students about both John McCain, Republican presidential candidate, and Obama. Like the 2008 national election, Obama was also victorious in the campus election.

"We want the students to be well informed about both candidates and this historical event," Comparan-Gonzalez said.

The transition from former President George W. Bush to Obama was fascinating for the students.

"I enjoyed being able to see George Bush on his way out and Obama take office," Ashton Taylor, fourth grader, said.

Students were also impressed by Obama's speech.

"Just like Obama said, we are a young growing nation," Colin Washburn, fourth-grader, said.

Obama's promises to turn the economy around gave Colin hope for a brighter future, he said.

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