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Last updated 5:08 am CT February 09, 2010.
Local Students React to President Obama's Speech
Today's speech was the first such Presidential address in a classroom since the first President Bush did it in 1991.
Unlike that speech nearly 2 decades ago, today's speech was surrounded by controversy.
School districts across the country heard from parents concerned that the President would use the speech to push his political ideas.
Students at Carterville Intermediate School had the option of watching the speech or going to the gym.
Principal, Jeff Hartford, says it was an easy decision, "That is kind of a unique experience I think for kids to get that opportunity so we didn't want to deny kids that opportunity."
President Obama made an effort to reach out to children and understand where they were coming from.
And students like 7th grader, Blake Watson, noticed, "I think he can relate more to us because he's been through some hard times himself as a kid."
Savana Jones appreciated the fact that President Obama knew what interested them, "He related more to things we use like twitter and all those kinds of things."
Mr. Obama tried to inspire kids with real-life stories of students and celebrities who persevered before succeeding like Michael Jordan and Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling.
That message was not lost on 8th grader, Cierra Stafseth, "I liked that he said you don't have to come from a rich family or you don't have to have a lot of money to be successful all you have to do is work hard."
The speech ended on an upbeat note which left kids smiling, "I expect great things from each of you, so don't let us down. Don't let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America."
While the students in Carterville were able to watch the speech live, other districts like Herrin and Carbondale are allowing teachers the option to show the speech on tape.
Harrisburg decided not to show the President's speech.
by Liz Taylor
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