Village Academy students meet Obama
The Daily Bulletin's Diana Sholley provides the following report on Pomona's Village Academy High School and their teacher Michael Steinman meeting President Obama.
There was no doubt something wonderful had just happened.
The awe was evident in their eyes, smiles, walk and chatter.
The 32 students in the Advanced Placement English class at Pomona's Village Academy High School and their teacher Michael Steinman walked across the street from Edison International Vehicle Electronics Plant to their school after having a dream come true.
They met the president of the United States.
There was no doubt something wonderful had just happened.
The awe was evident in their eyes, smiles, walk and chatter.
The 32 students in the Advanced Placement English class at Pomona's Village Academy High School and their teacher Michael Steinman walked across the street from Edison International Vehicle Electronics Plant to their school after having a dream come true.
They met the president of the United States.
"This is something that happens once in a lifetime," student Rogelio
Pena said. "He was really friendly. He shook everybody's hand. He has a
firm handshake and really soft skin."
Obama toured Edison International Vehicle Electrics Plant in Pomona as part of his two-day stay in Southern California that culminated with an appearance Thursday on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
After the tour of the plant, Obama gave a private audience to the students who put a face -- and a voice -- to the struggles that America's teenagers face in the faltering economy through their video, "Is Anybody Listening?"
During his March 10 speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Obama spent the final two minutes talking about Village Academy students and their video. At one point, he singled out high school junior Yvonne Bojorquez. Obama tried to assure the students in his speech that he was listening.
On Thursday, he told them in person.
"He really heard us," Victoria Gonzalez said. "Meeting him opened my eyes that not all government servants are apathetic, some can make a difference. I believe President Obama can make a difference."
Beverly Ponce said she agrees with her classmate and has realized through the project that change, real change, starts from within.
"I know now that one person can make a difference," Beverly said. "This class wants to make a difference and we believe we can. We've shown that it's possible to step outside the box.
The world has heard our silent cry. The president has heard us and we're trusting him to lead us to a better tomorrow."
Chris Shultz, Village Academy senior, wants to believe that changes for a better tomorrow are coming, but he wanted some solid assurance from the president. When the president asked if there were any questions, Chris's hand went up.
"I asked, 'How can he make sure the changes will happen?'" Chris said. "He said by regulating the banks and paying close attention to the money crisis so nothing happens like had happened before."
Obama locked eyes with Chris as he answered his question and, in that moment, the student's hope was reinforced.
"I felt trust," Chris said. "I mean we were speaking to the president, the guy who can make real changes and I believe he will."
After their meeting with Obama, about a dozen students were bused to downtown Los Angeles to attend a town hall meeting lead by the president.
Rushing to the bus an emotional Maritssa Barba took a minute to share her experience.
"It was crazy; amazing," Maritssa said. "I felt like I was watching him on television, but he was right there in front of me. I know he's a person just like we are, but he hold's a high level, the highest in our country. When he spoke to us I felt like he really related to us, like he knew us and cared. Though he's the president, he felt like a friend."
Obama toured Edison International Vehicle Electrics Plant in Pomona as part of his two-day stay in Southern California that culminated with an appearance Thursday on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
After the tour of the plant, Obama gave a private audience to the students who put a face -- and a voice -- to the struggles that America's teenagers face in the faltering economy through their video, "Is Anybody Listening?"
During his March 10 speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Obama spent the final two minutes talking about Village Academy students and their video. At one point, he singled out high school junior Yvonne Bojorquez. Obama tried to assure the students in his speech that he was listening.
On Thursday, he told them in person.
"He really heard us," Victoria Gonzalez said. "Meeting him opened my eyes that not all government servants are apathetic, some can make a difference. I believe President Obama can make a difference."
Beverly Ponce said she agrees with her classmate and has realized through the project that change, real change, starts from within.
"I know now that one person can make a difference," Beverly said. "This class wants to make a difference and we believe we can. We've shown that it's possible to step outside the box.
The world has heard our silent cry. The president has heard us and we're trusting him to lead us to a better tomorrow."
Chris Shultz, Village Academy senior, wants to believe that changes for a better tomorrow are coming, but he wanted some solid assurance from the president. When the president asked if there were any questions, Chris's hand went up.
"I asked, 'How can he make sure the changes will happen?'" Chris said. "He said by regulating the banks and paying close attention to the money crisis so nothing happens like had happened before."
Obama locked eyes with Chris as he answered his question and, in that moment, the student's hope was reinforced.
"I felt trust," Chris said. "I mean we were speaking to the president, the guy who can make real changes and I believe he will."
After their meeting with Obama, about a dozen students were bused to downtown Los Angeles to attend a town hall meeting lead by the president.
Rushing to the bus an emotional Maritssa Barba took a minute to share her experience.
"It was crazy; amazing," Maritssa said. "I felt like I was watching him on television, but he was right there in front of me. I know he's a person just like we are, but he hold's a high level, the highest in our country. When he spoke to us I felt like he really related to us, like he knew us and cared. Though he's the president, he felt like a friend."
he wouldnt want to be your friend trust me.
Shalom:
We were deeply moved by Michael Steinman's class video and below is a link to our Video in response.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9TwEWefQs
Please help in getting this to Michael and his class.
Tky, Yehoshua
THIS WAS A AMAZING FEELING KNOWING THAT THE PRSIDENT WAS GOING TO BE IN POMONA AND CLOSE TO OUR SCHOOL EVEN THOUGH I WASN'T THERE IT STILL FELT LIKE IT I REALLY WANTED TO MEET THE PRESIDENT THAT IS ONEOF TWO DREAMS I WISH I COUD DO AND TO TAKE PICTURES WITH HIM AND GET TO SHAKE HIS HAND. I THINK WE WOULD BECOME BEST FRIENDS OR JUST FRIENDS.