President Obama' Speech on Twitter

Kid Reporter Gopa Praturi covered President Barack Obama’s Back to School speech in Arlington, Virginia, today. She wrote updates on twitter throughout the entire event. A twitter entry can only be 140 characters long. Every break you see in the copy below, indicates a different "tweet." You can follow her play-by-play below:

Hi. Kid Reporter Gopa Praturi here. I'm at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, for the President's Back to School speech.

By the way, the students here aren't allowed to talk to the press yet, but by their expressions, I'm pretty sure they're really excited!

The Secretary of Education is right here in front of us and he's going to do some interviews with the press.

I just interviewed Sec. of Ed. Arne Duncan. He said the President worked hard through school for his success. If you work hard, you can succeed, too.

Secretary Duncan also said to work hard at your goals, and you just might fulfill them.

We're in the high school gym. Football players are here in their uniforms today. The school colors are green and white.

The press has filled up one entire end of the gym. The podium is on the basketball court.

The hoop has been raised up to make room for the backdrop. It says "My Education, My Future" with the White House seal underneath.

We're sitting right behind the press riser, where the press is ready to broadcast this live on TV and on the White House Web site.

Lots of students are really excited that the President is here. Some are wearing purple ambassador T-Shirts. Today is first day of school.

We still have a whole hour until the speech, but we're already completely prepared.

The Wakefield High Principal is introducing herself and the school, just before President Obama's speech.

They are starting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem lead by students.

The principal is continuing to talk to the students about why President Obama probably chose Wakefield instead of any other school.

Wakefield's principal is talking about the teachers and encouraging them, saying that they are the best staff ever.

She is also asking the students to "live and feel" the moment because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

By the way, “Obama is in the house,” she said. We are all waiting for him right now.

All the kids are chattering about the fact that Obama is actually coming to their school, and the principal's inspiring talk.

President Obama still hasn't come out, but we are pretty much ready. Everyone is waiting.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is going to speak with the students now. He's introducing the speech, too.

Sec. Duncan is talking about a student named Timothy Spicer. He's the President of the senior class. He is introducing him.

Timothy is talking to the students. He's introducing the President right now, just like Sec. Duncan introduced HIM.

President Obama is on stage at the moment, starting his speech. Kids are cheering like crazy. Stay tuned in for more info.

President Obama is talking about a student's responsibility for his/her education. He's starting with “responsibility to yourself.”

He said everybody is good at something, but you might not know that until you try it in school.

Obama is comparing the knowledge in science and math to real life, and how it relates to the nation as a whole.

The country needs every child to succeed. He's now talking about how kids have challenges in their lives and how it’s not that easy to do well in school without hard work and help.

"There is no excuse for not trying," Obama says.

Obama is talking about Jazmin Perez, and how she has been through so much. But she is very successful.

He is also talking about Shantell Steve, and how she succeeded too. He is giving examples of other kids around the nation who have overcome hardship.

Obama is saying that no matter how small your goals are, you must accomplish them.

Obama is saying how some people have failed so many times, and they finally they succeeded—such as JK Rowling (Harry Potter author) and Michael Jordan (star basketball player).

Mr. Obama is telling kids to ask for help – it’s okay.

Obama is giving examples about Americans who were sitting right where our students sit today, and founded great things. These kids will go on to do great things, too.

Obama has just ended the speech. Everyone is applauding Music is playing in the backround. That’s all for now!

—Gopa Praturi

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Gopa Praturi "tweets" from President Barack Obama's Back to School speech in Arlington, Virginia,September 8, 2009. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

Comments

[joe]

great job

[Kid Reporter Danielle A.]

Hi Gopa,

Another great article!! I loved it and what a cool experience to have been there. Awesome!

Danielle A.

[Hannah]

That's amazing! Thanks for the story. I've always wanted to be a reporter. Anyway, I love your storie. It was "Fantastic" and I hope kids all across the globle get some goals acomplised or at least set goals.

-Hannah