Students experience mixed emotions at inauguration

By Willa Moffatt and Meghan Bobrowsky,
BlueDevilHUB.com Editors-in-Chief–

Thousands of people attended President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration this morning including 45 Blue Devils, one Davis High teacher and one DHS counselor. The group arrived in Maryland on Wednesday morning and spent two days sightseeing before attending today’s event.

After everyone arrived, Trump began his brief, 15-minute speech by stating what the beginning of the presidency means to him.

“Today’s ceremony, however, has a very special meaning because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people.”

Senior Moira Williams, who attended the event along with other DHS students, said his speech invigorated her, but not in the way he intended. She said his speech emphasized “America First,” but with so much going on worldwide, American needs to focus on all issues, not just at home.

Williams, who was wearing a pink “Pussy Hat” made by senior Camille Renaud’s mother, was interviewed by ABC along with some of her classmates.

Williams reported that the majority of people were Trump supporters, with “almost everyone in red Trump hats.”

“During speeches, we were standing in front of some young Trumpers,” Williams said. “They were actually pretty nice. They were like, ‘Hey, let’s be nice to Obama, he did a lot of good stuff.”

Though Williams herself is not a Trump supporter, she appreciates the value of the experience.

“I definitely cried, not going to lie. Just seeing Michelle Obama up there. But it was a really fun experience overall, and people watching [was interesting],” she said.

Another senior who went on the trip, Nikki Adkins, was surprised at the different political climate, noting the many Trump supporters flaunting trump stickers, hats and shirts.

“It’s so much different than Davis. It’s actually real. They’re all white. There’s an overwhelming amount of support for Trump.”

And while she saw many peaceful protesters, she witnessed one violent interaction between inauguration attendees.

“There was a lady who came with an anti Trump poster, and people started yelling at her to put it down. Then some guy pushed her down, and they started screaming at each other. The police came and took her away.”

Adkins does not support Trump or former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, but thinks it is important to keep an open mind.

Senior Karlie Kijanka enjoyed the inauguration and said “being a part of the most peaceful and powerful exchange of leadership in the world is an experience everyone should witness.”