Mesilla Valley students watch Trump inauguration

Students at Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy started their day with some dancing on the inauguration of our nation’s 45th president.

Teachers hand-picked 20 students who they said demonstrate active leadership, and promote a positive learning environment. The “V.I.P” students filed into the library, turned into a makeshift lounge, to watch the inauguration, cup cakes and juice in hand. Their young minds were soaking up the messages of the future.

Throughout the broadcast school principal Toni Hull had the students listen attentively to fill out a work sheet, taking moments to pause and discuss all that they were hearing, mindful of their hopes and concerns.

Some students clapped and took video when the swearing in happened on screen, others drew caricatures and sent cheeky Snapchats of President Trump. The sixth, seventh and eight graders shared their political opinions with respect.

Student Caleb Carr was one of the first clapping for Trump. Caleb said he likes Trump’s leadership style.
“He was kind of like our school,” said Caleb. “People aren’t telling us what to do.”

Other students, like Jahaziel Urueta, feel President Trump has put a lot on America’s plate. “I don’t know…is it too much,” asked Jahaziel. “Are we ready for these changes?”

President Trump’s key messaging is to “Make America Great Again.” Student Riley Montanez said he’s taking an optimistic approach. “I’m hopeful that what he says he will do, he’ll actually go through with it.”

As the students, who are the future of our nation, let today ‘s history soak in, Hull watched gleaming with pride, and watery eyes.

“It just makes me so happy that they were so attentive and listening — I just see their energy and I want to feed of of that.