Locally, high schools and elementaries across Southern Colorado watched the inauguration festivities. CIVA Charter High School in Colorado Springs also used today as a history lesson.

"We hope the students understand what freedom is and that equality exists for every citizen in America. I hope that each student realizes their responsibility to make country better and better," said Randy Zimmerman, principal of CIVA High.

The students used the inauguration to highlight the history of civil rights talking about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. High school senior Sean Hoskins recited MLK’s famous speech just moments before Barack Obama was sworn in. He teared up when Mr. Obama became the 44th president. "Since I am mixed, something like this is incredible. It’s monumental," said Hoskins.

The high schoolers say Barack Obama represents the youth of America. "It just shows if you're gay, straight, black, white, anything is possible," said junior Maggi D’Amour.

At Manitou Springs Elementary, a few hundred kids piled into the auditorium. "I think he's going to be a good president," said one first grader.

"For all of us, this is a great lesson in democracy," said Russ Vogel, the elementary principal.