LI students blog from the inauguration

Long Island students who traveled to Washington, D.C., for President Barack Obama’s inauguration are sending dispatches from the National Mall. From watching the morning sun’s rays touch the Washington Monument to breaking out hand-warmers in the near-freezing temperatures, here are their observations:

1:34 p.m.

Justin Dobrow, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

I don’t think I’ve ever tried to conceive the idea when hundreds of thousands of people try and leave the National Mall and the chaos it would bring. Though there’s a sense of spirit surrounding us and high hopes for the road ahead.

12:52 p.m.

Chloe Ott, 11, Merrick, Levy Lakeside School

We felt our hearts beating so hard. It was amazing. Everyone was so bundled up and the music was so loud. Me and Zoe both agree that it was such an honor representing our hometown.

12:50 p.m.

Chloe Ott, 11, Merrick, Levy Lakeside School

I thought that Obama’s speech was heartwarming. And Beyonce is way better live.

12:50 p.m.

James Reilly, 18, Levittown, Division Avenue HS

We did not get to see the inauguration, and we are leaving now. I did not see or hear any of the speeches, so I cannot comment on them. It is really disappointing to have come all this way and not have the opportunity to witness what I hoped to see.

12:45 p.m.

Joeleen Moy, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

If you’ve never been to an inauguration, save the date in four years. Sure, it’s cold and crowded, but the overwhelming sense of camaraderie among strangers and feeling of just being an American is worth it all.

12:43 p.m.

Chloe Ott, 11, Merrick, Levy Lakeside School

When I look into the sky, all I see is flags waving proudly in the air.

12:41 p.m.

Justin Dobrow, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

Just witnessed Barack Obama getting sworn into office, the crowd is going wild! Cheers for Obama being heard from miles away.

12:25 p.m.

12:21 p.m.

Brianna Lilavois, 14, Central Islip, Gelinas Junior HS

I love the way Obama delivers his speech. He is so determined to get people to listen.

12:18 p.m.

Emily Doglio, 17, Levittown, Division Avenue HS

We waited from seven to twelve in the cold, but never got closer to the mall. D.C. is beautiful and inspiring, but we missed the ceremony!

12:09 p.m.

Joeleen Moy, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

“Together” is a major theme in Obama’s speech. Uplifting, encouraging, and reassuring.

12:00 p.m.

James Reilly, 18, Levittown, Division Avenue HS

We are still waiting to get through the gate. The line is moving extremely slow as there are only 3 or so lines for the metal detectors, but people are still waiting patiently.

11:36 a.m.

Gabrielle Schwind, 17, Levittown, MacArthur HS

We can’t get in, this was the most poorly planned event!! Wok & Roll HERE WE COME!!!!!

11:26 a.m.

Photo by Amanda Eikenes, 17, Smithtown, The Stony Brook School

11:14 a.m.

Gabrielle Schwind, 17, Levittown, MacArthur HS

Things are getting a tad crazy! People are chanting and there are no personal boundaries! The chances of getting in are looking really really slim!

11:07 a.m.

Emily Perun, 14, West Sayville, Sayville HS

We have been at the mall for about an hour. We’re standing in front of the CNN stage. Everyone is so excited! I can’t wait!

11:02 a.m.

Amanda Eikenes, 17, Smithtown, The Stony Brook School

Even though it’s early in the morning and freezing cold, people are in high spirits waiting for the inauguration to start! 

10:30 a.m.

Chloe Ott, 11, Merrick, Levy Lakeside School

Ready for the president!

10:28 a.m.

Justin Rosado, 17, Wantagh, MacArthur HS

We have been waiting for hours to get in due to the high amount of people and tight security. The line is inching forward right now.

10:23 a.m.

Gabrielle Schwind, 17, Levittown, MacArthur HS

Still standing in line!! There are so many people here! It’s really great to see how many people are here to celebrate!

10:22 a.m.

Justin Dobrow, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

Still waiting for the inaugural festivities to get going. Watching the thousands upon thousands of people coming into the National Mall. People are getting more excited as the minutes count down!

8:51 a.m.

Emily Perun, 14, West Sayville, Sayville HS

 We just listened to a speech by one of the scholarship students about how the world could be a better place. We are going to go outside soon but for now we are walking around the museum.

8:49 a.m

Gabrielle Schwind, 17, Levittown, MacArthur HS

 I just broke out the hand warmers!! Woo!! We’re all waiting for the gates to open!!

8:37 a.m.

Justin Dobrow, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

Here in the National Mall, awesome view of the Capitol building. 34 degrees is not stopping the many here. Many happy about what the day will bring.

 

8:08 a.m.

Justin Rosado, 17, Wantagh, MacArthur HS

Right now there’s so many people lined up waiting to get into the mall.

8:08 a.m.

James Reilly, 18, Levittown, Division Avenue HS

We are standing outside the gates on Indiana Avenue waiting to be let in to the next viewing section. It is pretty amazing to see so many people here, all of whom are looking forward to seeing the same thing.

7:57 a.m.

Emily Doglio, 17, Levittown, Division Avenue HS

Waiting to get into the national mall to watch the inauguration. There are so many people here!

7:23 a.m.

Gabrielle Schwind, 17, Levittown, Division Avenue HS

Good morning Newsday! We just arrived at Union Station! It’s a bit chilly out here and might snow later but I’m pumped to be in the nation’s capital today!!!

7:11 a.m.

Joeleen Moy, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

Got to the city early and doing some sightseeing before the inauguration. Kudos to the city for organizing everything down to a T!

7:02 a.m.

Justin Dobrow, 17, Selden, Newfield HS

Anticipating the arrival of over 800,000 people to celebrate the 2nd inauguration of Barack Obama. Early wake-up and brisk weather add a touch of excitement.

7 a.m.

Emily Perun, 14, West Sayville, Sayville HS

Today my roommates and I woke up at 4:15. We all went downstairs and met up with all the other groups. By 5:15 we were on our way. After the bus ride to the city, we all got out and walked 2 miles to the national mall. We are now at the American history museum waiting for breakfast to be served.

6:42 a.m.

Claudia Benitez, 17, Roosevelt, Roosevelt HS

We recently arrived to Washington D.C! The trip was not so long as I thought it would be, but then again I slept almost through the entire ride. I was so surprised to see how many coach buses were also here, I was not expecting so many buses to be here this early; people were already walking to the Metro so I’m guessing we’re a bit late. This is too exciting, Obama must be honored to even think of how many people took long journeys just to watch and hear him speak. Hats, bloves, scarves, hand-warmers — we are all prepared for the weather that is waiting for us outside this bus. Off we go to the Metro, too excited!

6:13 a.m.

James Reilly, 18, Levittown, Division Avenue HS

Division Avenue just left the hotel for the inaguration. I woke up at 4:30, but it will definitely be worth it as I am excited to witness the making of history firsthand.

1:13 a.m.

Paula Palacios, 17, Roosevelt, Roosevelt HS

It’s approximately 1 a.m. and we are on our way to Washington, D.C.! We are all very much excited, and eager to see Barack Obama, but for now we all need to preserve energy!