Email
Print
Statesville students find inspiration in president's speech
Bruce Matlock photo
Statesville High School sophomore Derrick Herring listens to President Barack Obama’s speech to students Tuesday during a class.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: September 9, 2009
Students in Michael Williams' social studies class at Statesville High School chatted among themselves until President Barack Obama appeared on the TV screen.
Then, suddenly, they were all ears.
Williams was one of the teachers who opted to give his students the opportunity to watch the president's speech on Channel 1.
He decided to show the speech because of its message that they start thinking about "taking responsibility for their own actions and education."
"It's more about them taking ownership of their education, and they have the right to succeed," Williams said.
He didn't have any students during that class period whose parents didn't want them to watch the speech.
When Obama appeared on the screen, the 31 students began shushing each other, and the room fell silent and all eyes were fixed on the TV positioned at the front classroom.
In his speech, delivered at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., Obama talked about what's expected of students this school year, and the importance of fulfilling their responsibilities and putting in hard work needed to succeed.
He spoke of three young people who overcame adversity to eventually go on and do great things.
"No matter what you want to do in life, you're going to need a good education," the president said.
Obama talked of the failures of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, whose first book was turned down several times by publishers before eventually becoming a major success worldwide; and how basketball legend Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team before becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Statesville sophomore Derrick Herring aspires to be a professional football player, but knows hard work will be necessary. The 16-year-old also has a backup plan in case things don't turn out the way he plans.
After hearing the president, Herring said he felt motivated.
"You should strive for something greater than you are now," he said.
Herring said he learned from the address that all students must take more responsibility in the classroom so they can eventually become successful.
"You can't get a good job with a high school diploma, but with a college degree you can get a better job," he said.
Maria Pineda, 16, said students who heard Obama should be inspired to make something of their lives, stay focused and get an education.
"He let everybody know to put in an effort for school and not slack off," she said. "In order to make something of yourself, you have to get an education."
For Jarried Davis, the message that stuck out the most was the importance of staying in school.
"He's absolutely right," the 15-year-old said. "You shouldn't drop out and throw your life away, but go to college and become something."
Kara Caparulo, 15, said the president's speech prompted her to start thinking about the future.
"He inspired people to be successful," she said.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
