By Reshma Gouravajhala
Staff Reporter

A 4,200-mile trip across the United States. Hiking through the Rockies, walking across vast stretches of desert, braving bitter cold weather. Sounds like a daunting task, but to a former teacher from Massachusetts, it was a way to get to know what Americans wanted from their new government.

B. J. Hill, once an English as a Second Language teacher, traveled cross-country and stopped at towns to meet the local people. After dining in local restaurants and camping out in kind strangers’ backyards, Hill asked his newfound friends to write what they wished to say to the new president, intending on reaching the Oval Office’s mahogany desk.

I admire Hill for giving officials in Washington an opportunity to finally hear firsthand what Americans truly want from their government, instead of slaving to the slanted perceptions of “political analysts” sitting comfortably in corporate news headquarters.
What can the politicians expect to see in these letters? Well, the diary entries from the people are varied. Some have suggestions for future actions, others have congratulatory notes and still others have good luck wishes to the new president in the tough times ahead. Yet, all of them have one thing in common: they are written with the hope that their ideas will be read by the man who now holds the highest office in the country.

Hill’s journey reflects a hallmark of democracy, namely that everyday folks can let their voices be heard and make a difference in the government. These sincere voices of the people will be of great benefit to the president, especially in the midst of today’s economic crisis.

During the campaign season, many students here at ’Stoga showed their support for various candidates, and many even voted on Nov 4. But, the way I see it, voting is only the beginning of becoming a more active citizen. This historical election gave students the opportunity of breaking the decades-long cycle of apathy to politics. Now, as Hill and the letter-writers have shown us, we can confidently do even more knowing that our suggestions—however small—can touch the ears of the US president. By Hill’s expedition, we as a school community should be inspired, driven to expect more from our elected leaders and appreciative of our blossoming ability to make our voices heard.

Reshma Gouravajhala can be reached at rgouravajhala@stoganews.com.

Printed originally on p. 9 of the Feb. 13, 2009 issue of The Spoke

Students winess historic inauguration

By Liz Bravacos
Staff Reporter

Erin Ogunkeye didn’t think the day would ever come.

But on Jan, 20, the Conestoga senior was on the lawn at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. with millions of jubilant, flag-waving people, weathering the frigid temperatures to witness the historic swearing-in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

Ogunkeye, who was one of a number of Conestoga students at the event, said that, as an African American,  the inauguration of Obama was of “special significance to me.”

“I’ve experienced racism quite often, so to see him [Obama] rise to the highest office in the country is pretty unbelievable,” she said.

After the conclusion of the swearing-in ceremony, Ogunkeye found herself standing within feet of a number of prominent Washington politicians. After receiving a lucky tip from an FBI Agent, Ogunkeye saw Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, the Clintons, the Bidens and the Obamas as they left the Capitol building.

“I was literally shocked after seeing the first family so close,” Ogunkeye said. “It was complete surprise.”

Sophomore Ellen Piehl, who was also in attendance in D.C., said that as the future of America, students should take advantage of the opportunities they get to take part in government, or at least get interested.

“In a few years we’re all going to be in college and worrying about jobs, so the decisions that Obama’s administration make are going to impact us directly,” Piehl said.

Back at Conestoga, students welcomed a change to their daily routine with the opportunity to view the inaugural ceremonies. The day began when the two anchors of

“Good Morning ’Stoga” spoke with special guest Tricia Ebarvia via telephone connection. Ebarvia, an English teacher, was in Washington D.C. at the time and shared with students the growing anticipation.

“The excitement in the crowd was palpable,” Ebarvia said. “Everyone was in good spirits.”

Within hours after the morning news broadcast, the halls had become silent as students found their seats in classrooms, the auditorium and the cafeteria, ready to watch Obama take his Oath of Office.

The viewing of this year’s ceremony was permitted during the school day because of its “historic and unprecedented nature,” former Principal Tim Donovan said. In addition, he added that the protocol followed on Jan. 20 will become a precedent for all future presidential inaugurations at the school.

“This period of our country’s history is a very significant time, with the War in Iraq and the state of our economy,” Donovan said. “The inauguration ties in very nicely to teach students about their role in our society.”

James Ferguson enjoyed the inauguration from a desk in his sixth period math class. As time passed and the ceremony drew nearer, he said that he could feel the anticipation amongst his peers grow.

“This inauguration was the biggest way you can prove we’re over racial discrimination in America,”  Ferguson said. “It made me realize the importance of this election.”

Liz Bravacos can be reached at lbravacos@stoganews.com.

Printed originally on page four of the Feb. 13, 2009 issue of The Spoke.