Tulsa Students Live History In The Classroom

By Emory Bryan, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A lot of Tulsa students witnessed history on Tuesday in their classroom. For a 5th grade class at Eugene Field Elementary, it was an inspirational and educational day.

The students watched President-elect Barack Obama take the oath of office, after studying him for several weeks.

"It's really exciting because it's like all my family was really happy," said Megan Cephus, 5th Grader.

The whole school watched. They were so wrapped up in it that when it came time for the Vice President's oath, the children all stood and took the oath of office too.

They looked forward to this day while learning all they could about President Obama. Their study started back in the fall during the campaign.

"We talked about regardless of what side wins, we all rally around and support him, because his decisions filter down and affect us, even in the classroom," said April Howard, teacher.

What has filtered down already from the transition is a great hope the children have that President Obama will change things for the better.

"I don't know much about Obama, but I just know he'll change the world in some way," said Tanner Holt, 5th Grader.

"We can get past all the racism and slavery that happened and I think it's great that Obama ran," said Dani Neff, 5th Grader.

Megan Cephus said her whole family was inspired by the election and she believes he will inspire African American children just by taking the office.

"I thought it was really good because he's the first African American president and we're really proud," said Megan.