Behind the Scenes Info on President Obama's Big Speech

Behind the Scenes Info on President Obama's Big Speech

Hey there!

I'm Kid Reporter Gopa Praturi! We're here at Wakefield High School getting ready for President Obama's big speech today. There's a lot going on, even though the speech hasn't started yet.

We're in the High School Gym right now, and there are students all over the risers along two walls. We're right behind the Press Risers, where the press is ready to broadcast this speech live on www.whitehouse.gov/live/. The High School Gym is green and white and the podium is where the basketball hoop is supposed to be. The hoop was raised to the ceiling to make room for the President to talk. The students here are mega-excited about the President coming to their school - in fact, they're applauding right now just because the lights were switched off for a second!

I was able to talk to the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, who said that President Obama had been through lots of problems as a kid. His father wasn't around much,  and his mother had a lot of trouble raising him. But he worked hard, and because of his hard work, he's now the President.

Sec. Duncan said that if all kids work their hardest, everyone will be able to succeed. Duncan also mentioned that the purpose of Mr. Obama's speech is to teach kids to go after their goals, and if they try their best, they will succeed.

Some press reporters have very creative ideas on reporting. Susan Bainbridge, a freelance photographer, brought her dog, Lightning, with her. Its amazing how well Susan and her dog can communicate and get along. I'll write more about her and Lightning later. I interviewed them for a story.

Everyone's excited and eager to hear from Mr. Obama -- and I'm apparently one of those excited kids! Remember President Obama's slogan for today: "My Education, My Future." So everyone out there who's listening to this speech, work your hardest to accomplish your goals!

—Gopa Praturi

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Gopa Praturi interviews Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, on September 8, 2009. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

Comments

[willim]

Man omg i freakin love obama! he is sooooooooooooooooo hot