Carson students to attend inauguration

When Barack Obama is sworn in as America's 44th president Tuesday " the country's first black commander-in-chief " 16 Carson High School students will be there to witness the historic event.

Government and history teacher Angila Golik spent a year planning the trip.

"I knew I wanted to go, and I wanted that for my students as well," she said.

She opened the opportunity to junior and senior government students.

Jessie Sinclair, 17, could not vote in the election but knew immediately she wanted to attend.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said. "I know my adrenaline is going to be going the whole day."

Golik said this election inspired students to get involved and learn more about government, whatever their political ideologies. She said it was the most involved she's seen students in the 12 years she's taught.

"It was much more exciting," she said. "I felt the energy from them."

Blake Davidson, 18, was not old enough to vote on Nov. 4, but put his support behind Republican John McCain.

He took a school-sponsored trip to Washington in eighth grade and said it was the best trip he'd ever taken.

"There's all that history back East (that) people on the West Coast don't really know about," he said.

Davidson said he sees the trip as an opportunity to "feel a part of our country."

Despite his initial leanings, he said, he now supports Obama.

"He's our president," he said.

Students paid about $1,900 for the five-day trip that will include the inauguration and visits to historic sites. They will place a wreath in the name of Carson High School on the Challenger Memorial.

Mackena Bell, 18, graduated last year but will join the group.

"It's such a historic event, having the first African-American in the White House," she said. "I thought it would be a good story to tell my grandkids."

Golik said this election changed her outlook.

"It proved there are no limitations to what you can do in this country," she said.

And she's excited to be a part of it.

"It gives me goosebumps when I think about it," she said.