FSCC student attends inauguration

Friday, February 6, 2009
Submitted photo Fort Scott Community College student Lindsey Alcorn stands in front of the Washington Monument while in Washington D.C. for the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Special To Tribune

Fort Scott Community College student Lindsey Alcorn attended the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama while on a trip that she and 13 other students from Paola High School had been planning for a year.

The trip which was the inspiration of PHS government instructor, Cristie Sims, ran from January 18--22. The group's early planning helped them reserve their own tour bus and tour guide for their trip and in-between inaugural festivities the group visited many of Washington D.C.'s sites.

They visited the Natural History Museum, the Holocaust Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Capitol and the Washington Monument.

On Sunday their group attended the kick off concert for the inaugural celebration. "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration", featured Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder, and more.

On Tuesday during the inauguration their group stood directly underneath a jumbo tron which broadcasted the event about a mile away from the ceremony and they were still able to see the Capitol.

The lines were long and it took hours to get anywhere, but that did not dampen anyone's spirits, "Everyone was really nice and calm even though it was so crowded," said Alcorn. "My favorite part of the trip was President Obama's speech. It was really good and everyone in the crowd was moved."

The students also had an opportunity to attend one of the many Inaugural Balls occurring that evening.