Questions from George E. Jack Elementary School

We've received many questions from MSAD6 students, and Eagle Times reporters are in the process of researching the answers so that we can post them before our trip. The first set of questions came from third gradersat George E. Jack elementary school in Standish. The second set of questions came from Ms. Bunk's fourth graders at George E. Jack elementary school in Standish. Ms. Bunk's class also gave us a generous donation of $20!

Questions from George E. Jack third grade students:

1. Are you excited?
We are all very excited, especially because we're going to be part of one of the most historical moments in America's history.

2. Will Obama's wife and kids be there? Yes, Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia and Sasha, will attend his inauguration.

3. Are you going into the White House?
We're not going inside the White House, but we are going to have our picture taken in front of the White House.

4. Are you going to any museums?
There are 19 Smithsonian museums and we plan on going to most of them.

5. Will you go to the Lincoln Memorial?
Yes we are going to the Lincoln Memorial and may see some of the Inauguration kick-off on the 18th.

Questions from George E. Jack fourth graders:

1. Are you taking the bus, the train, or a plane?
We're flying to Washington on Sunday, Jan. 18. Then, we'll be bused to our first stop: the Arlington National Cemetery where John F. Kennedy is buried along with many soldiers who died preserving our freedoms. That night, we'll tour the sites of Washington D.C, and (maybe) get close to the pre-inaugural events going on all day at the Lincoln Memorial.

2. Are you going to see Obama's kids?
Chances are we won't get close enough to see Obama's two daugthers, Malia and Sasha. We'll be on the Washington Mall in the public viewing area along with students from all 50 states who are part of the Smithsonian Student Travel group. Ten gigantic viewing screens are being erected along the Mall so that everyone will be able to watch the swearing-in ceremony and the president's Inaugural address.

3. Will you guys throw parties once the Inauguration starts?
Our trip includes a party on the night before the Inauguration. We'll be attending the "Camelot" Inaugural Ball on Jan. 19, part of the three-day celebration in Washington D.C. Our ball is just for students and is not considered one of the 10 "official balls" that President-elect Obama is expected to drop in on.

4. What else are you going to see on your visit?
We'll see the White House, but we won't have a chance to go inside. We're visiting the Lincoln Memorial, and a number of the Smithsonian Museums. We also have trips planned to the Capitol, a working newsroom, and Mount Vernon, the home of our first President, George Washington.

Thanks for your questions and support for our trip!
Ms. Lannin and the Eagle Times staff