Live Obama inauguration coverage from New Tech High students

Texts from students posted throughout day

By DAN ROSS
Register Online Editor

A group of students from New Technology High School in Napa are in Washington D.C. for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. The students are sending in text messages about the day for readers to follow along.

Check here as the day progresses to learn what is taking place with the students and what they are thinking.

We will also have cell phone photos coming in from the students, posting them as they are received, for you to see this through the eyes, and phones, of the students. Note, times listed are pacific time.

10:36 a.m. — Gianna Peralta — My opinion is that Obama brought up many key issues that affect our country, but presented them very genuinely. He spoke of how those problems such as our economy, the war, education, and a lack of available jobs all are issues that need to be and will be addressed, yet he acknowledged that it will take time to improve these situations, perhaps more time than he will be in office.

Overall I found his speech to be very empowering. One of the notable themes of his speech was equality between all peoples, which was so overwhelmingly powerful because there I was, standing amongst people who represented all different backgrounds, religions and races. I feel that Obama speaks very honestly and that he has a certain sense of charisma that captivates the audience. I, like the millions of others watching, wish to truly believe that he will do great things for our country.

10:32 a.m. — Nicholas Giaccio — It felt really different, like we are a part of history. It really got me thinking how lucky we are to be a part of such a world-changing event.

9:52 a.m. — Kristina Parks — All around me people were just listening so intently. I started thinking about it all and realized there are probably millions of other people around the world listening to his words with a huge hope being brought to them. As I thought of this and listened to his words echoing through the speakers and around the area, I actually began to cry. This is such a huge event and it is amazing to think that I got to be a part of it.

8:20 a.m. -- Gianna Peralta -- The crowds are pretty bad almost everywhere. In some places it is simply impossible to get through. It got so bad up in front my friends and I moved further back where it was less crowded.

8:17 a.m. -- Nicholas Giaccio -- The day is going pretty good so far. We are at an okay distance from the stage. The Marine Corps band is playing and they are great. President Bush and President-elect Obama just arrived. It is a little hard to use phones here because it is VERY cold and they seem to have blocked service .. but we are really enjoying everything.

8:04 a.m. -- Kristina Parks -- Things here are surreal. It is so amazing feeling all the energy from everyone around us. We are at the National Mall and it is freezing! But is it more than worth it.

8:04 a.m. --  Taylor Knott-- It is probably 15 degrees. The only thing keeping us warm are the people around us, but it is sunny out, people are happy and cheering on the arrival.

5:19 a.m. -- Kristina Parks -- We all are here at the Presidential inauguration waiting for it to start. It is amazing here and I can't believe we get to actually experience such a historical event.

5:03 a.m. -- Gianna Peralta -- It is already packed so tightly that my group and I cannot move one foot further. On the Jumbotron they are replaying the We Are One concert, and people seem to be just as excited as the first time they saw it. Though there is still a long time to wait, it seems worth it to brave both the concerts and the elements to catch even a glimpse of Obama.

2:32 a.m. -- Nicholas Giaccio. -- We got up extremely early today so we would be able to get a good place to see the inauguration. We will be witnessing a huge part of history today, and even though we are extremely sleepy, we are all excited. So far, we've been able to visit America's finest monuments in the close-to-zero weather. It has been an enjoyable experience so far for all of us, something I know that will always be remembered.

2:30 a.m. -- Taylor Knott -- I went to bed near 1, woke up at 4:50, missing the wake-up call and ran to the bus, shoving food and quickly getting clothing on. I had 10 minutes to get ready but now on the bus. I am anxious and excited for the inauguration. It will be like one big celebration of new hope for our country.

2 a.m. -- Gianna Peralta -- This is Gianna Peralta, a senior at New Technology High school reporting here from Washington D.C. Since our arrival Jan/17, our trip has been loaded with many amazing opportunities, both historical and exciting. So far we have visited several memorials, including the Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial, only to name a few. In the District of Columbia, history is especially tangible.

All the hype though is about Obama, and everywhere we go there are constant reminders. It is frankly impossible to go anywhere without seeing congratulation banners, Obama souvenirs, or cardboard cutouts of the man himself. The massive crowds of people that have flocked from all over the United States are also a testimony to how grand an event this inauguration should prove to be.

The energy here is simply amazing. At the We are One concert, held Jan. 18 to celebrate and welcome Obama and Biden, both were received like true celebrities. The crowd watched Obama's every move, most with a smile on their face as the jumbotrons broadcasted the soon-to-be president's head bobbed in rhythm to the various artists.

Even the applause for Obama as he first walked out on the Lincoln memorial, seemed to be even more enthusiastic than what most of the day's performers were given. His sincerity, charisma, and genuine personality have touched all of us who were there and all who watched, hope for a brighter future.

Tomorrow the rest of the New Tech group and I will be waking up at 4 a.m., to arrive early enough to get decent seats. Normally, waking up at such an hour would mean countless moans from all the students, but there have been no complaints about tomorrow. I feel it is safe to say that we are all overwhelmingly excited to not only witness, but be a part of the history that will be made in only a few short hours. I personally feel exceptionally priveledged to have had this opportunity, reserved seats or not. This will be a historic moment that none of us shall ever forget, and will someday be able to tell our grandchildren.

(Note: Gianna Peralta's comment was e-mailed in before the students boarded the bus for the inauguration. These were her thoughts before going to bed the night before the inauguration)

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