The President's Visit

You're probably tired of hearing all I have to say about the President's visit to Mooresville, but unfortunately for you, I'm not tired of talking about it!

Disclaimer: If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all!

Earlier this past week we started noticing things that were out of the norm for the end of the year, like the fact that the halls were being painted. Hmm. Or the fact that there were a bunch of men in suits wandering around the school. Hmm. It wasn't until we were told that we had to be sure to keep the school super clean that we knew something was up! No sane administrator would say that at the end of the year if there wasn't something happening. Well, as the staff found out Monday afternoon, the President of the United States was coming to see us!! I don't care who you are or what your political preference is, it is a once in a lifetime experience for your school to host the President!

We all went into high gear preparing for the coming event. Over the course of the next few days there were more emails, more changes, more renovations than this school has ever seen. It was so neat watching the transformation little by little into a place safe enough to host the leader of the free world. I think we all know there is a lot of work that goes into preparing for something like this, but I don't think any of us truly realized it. 

The excitement really began Thursday morning when we all trucked down the hill to park at the intermediate school since no cars were allowed on campus. When we arrived at the school building the windows were covered and some hallways were blocked off. The signs showed us the path he would be taking. 

Then came the hurry up and wait. I equated this with your wedding day-all the hurrying and waiting, hurrying and waiting. Finally, we were off to the gym! There were about a hundred students on stage and ten teachers up there with them. I was fortunate enough to be one of the ten! It was an experience I will never forget!!

We waited while the gym filled up with our fellow teachers and students, as well as local dignitaries.  Hey, Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy!

The wait was long and incredibly hot. We were in a middle school gymnasium with close to a thousand people after all. . .  Arne Duncan said a few words, then one of our teachers had the distinct privilege of welcoming the prez on out. His speech was short and sweet, and to be honest, I was so focused on not doing anything stupid in front of the world that I didn't even pay attention!

I am so thankful for this once in a lifetime experience!