Mississippi Students React to President's Message

Published by Lawayne Childrey on 08 Sep 2009 2:09pm
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5th graders at Pecan Park Elementary in Jackson watch President Obama's speech to students
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President Barack Obama's address to the nation's school children receives high marks from one Jackson Elementary School. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

About four dozen 5th graders gathered around a small tv in the Pecan Park Elementary Library. They listened intensely as President Barack Obama tried to encouraged them to stay in school, never give up on their dreams and to always believe in themselves. At the conclusion of the presidents speech, 10 year old Jamaya Jordan says it gave her a new perspective.

Jordan: It doesn't matter where you come from if you want to have a better life than your parents or your grandparents, you set a goal for yourself. Then your country will succeed just like you.

For 10 year old Shanita Chancellor, Part of President Obama's message was a familiar one.

Chancellor: One time I asked my Mom could she help with my homework. She say, "You only have to read the question and believe in what like...." The President said believe in yourself. I am believing in my self in what I'm doing and what my teacher is talking about.

In the speech the president spoke about his personal struggles and triumphs. That's the message 5th grade teacher Charlotte Bryant believes will resonate most with many of her students.

Bryant: Allot of our children um come from broken homes, single parents, or no parents living with grandparents. Some of them have witnessed their parents being killed or they're not there for other reasons, whether they are in jail. So our children come from allot, but we try to encourage them. And despite those things, we are there for them.

Across the nation as well as in Mississippi, Many parents didn't think it was appropriate for the president to address school children. Some said it would sway children's political opinion. But at Pecan Park, officials say only one parent objected to their child watching the speech. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.