Hail to the Chief! West Madison ‘inaugurates’ presidents

Secret Service agents assisted the new class presidents and vice presidents in Kimberly Hobbs' classes at West Madison Elementary School.

Secret Service ‘agents’ and red carpet set a presidential tone for inaugurations in Kimberly Hobbs’ fifth-grade social science classes at West Madison Elementary School.

Hobbs arranged an inauguration ball for a live visualization of reading assignments. “I wanted to give them an experience that would last a lifetime,” she said.

In the process, Hobbs’ 51 students learned the procedures to becoming U.S. president and governmental mechanics.

Studying the American Revolution, Hobbs’ classes realized colonists constructed their own plan of government and leaders after breaking from Great Britain. Hobbs thought of strong leaders in her classroom and realized the inauguration would bring history to life.

After learning qualifications for president, students drafted requirements for their ‘officials.’ Candidates had to be a Madison County resident, a West Madison fifth-grade and clear of major wrongdoing, like school suspension.

They reviewed the voting process for U.S. president and voted likewise for their class president. For fairness, an outside source tallied votes.

Election winners in Hobbs’ homeroom were Erin C. and vice president Kennedy B, and in Minnie Tidwell’s homeroom, Abby M. and vice president Ange L.

For the inauguration, class presidents wrote their speeches, while the class reviewed the U.S. president’s statement. Hobbs and Tidwell “promised in” the presidents using West Madison’s student code of conduct.

Secret Service agents assisted the new class presidents and vice presidents.

Adorned with balloons and streamers, Hobbs’ classroom boasted symbolic red carpet, and SmartBoard screens displayed the presidents and vice presidents’ names.

A podium with a West Madison seal resembled the national version. Red, white and blue tablecloths, centerpieces and menus were on tables. With background music, waiters and waitresses took orders with notepad and pencil.

“Parents and students enjoyed the inauguration ball,” calling the mock celebration both real and elegant, Hobbs said. One student regretted not entering the presidential race.

“I want to greatly thank all my parents, administrators and colleagues for rearranging schedules to make this a success,” Hobbs said.