President Obama: Students Encouraged By Speech

Today, President Barack Obama did something that hasn’t been done in 18 years. He addressed America’s youth. Just like in 1991 when the first President Bush talked to students... this speech drew controversy as well.

Today, the President made the speech at a Virginia high school at noon. He told students how important education is and encouraged them to work hard and set goals.

"We can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world - and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities,” says the President.

“You cannot drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You've got to work for it and train for it and learn for it" he continues.

Not all schools and districts showed the speech. It was up to the district or individual principals.

Today, I watched the speech with 6th graders at Isle of Hope School in Chatham County.

The students really did pay attention to what President Obama had to say and they were really looking forward to it.

While we've heard of some parents who called to complain about the speech, the principal at Isle of Hope tells me she didn't hear any complaints.

The president's message today was nothing new; work hard and succeed, but it's the way it got delivered that really caught eyes and ears.

"I know it's not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now,” the President talks to students.

That's why President Barack Obama's speech to encourage students was welcomed at Isle of Hope School.

"I thought it was really good that he was actually talking to children instead of adults cause we don't really get what he's talking about on TV because he's talking to adults and he's using some big words,” explains 6th grader, Austin Merchant.

"Well, since he does run our country, I think for them to hear it from him meant a lot,” says Principal Julie Gannam.

42 sixth graders sat still, speechless and with their eyes glued to the TV.

Michael Gaster, chairman of the Savannah Area Young Republicans, who took issue with the original plans of showing the speech in schools, watched it along with the students.

“His speech today was very good. It was right on point with a lot of things. Him sharing his personal experiences related, gave something the children could relate to and I think that's important especially when he's trying to encourage children, hey look at me, I grew up to be the president,” explains Michael Gaster.

It’s a message the students took to heart.

“He encouraged me to never give up and always chase your dream because he had a rough time when he was a kid, he had an even worse time so that if he can do it, we can do it,” continues Merchant.

Gaster tells me he's glad that the study points were removed from the speech and that students didn't have to answer the question; "What can I do for my country?"

He says with the controversy removed, it was a great speech.