Wide-eyed and staring, a young man stood transfixed in front of a TV monitor with his finger pressed against his lips.

The inauguration of President Barack Obama captured the attention of many students at Muskogee High School.

Marselle McVay’s effort to silence the hub of excitedly moving students during lunch in the cafeteria at MHS went unnoticed.

“This is exciting,” said McVay, junior at MHS.

Sets of hopeful eyes gazed at the televisions with the closed caption setting on, reading every word of Obama’s inauguration speech.

Others were concentrating on their own news and friends, or just gathered eating lunch.

But most students said they were amazed they were able to witness the inauguration of the first African-American in their lifetime.

“It’s different,” said Mycechia Gray, 17, senior. “I never thought I would see this. It’s just not what you are used to seeing.”

MHS junior Austin Blake said she thinks the inauguration is a turning point for our nation.

“I don’t think we did the wrong thing,” she said. “We just have to wait and see what happens.”

Senior Zane Nero, 18, said he voted for Obama.

“I think this is a memorable day,” he said. “This is a once in a lifetime thing. I never thought I would see the day a black man would be elected. I think he’s well qualified for the job. And I know he will work hard to be our president. It feels good.”

“I think it’s a great turn for society,” said Elizabeth Smith, 15, sophomore. “It’s always been a white man in office. Now we are actually upholding the Declaration of Independence. We are truly united.”

Drama teacher Penny McGill and her class watched the event on monitors in the classroom.

“We’re making history,” McGill said. “It’s a big leap we are taking. There have been hurdles in the civil rights movement. And now we have this. It’s wonderful.”

McGill said her students have different takes on the event.

“For some of the students, it’s like it’s no big deal,” she said. “Then, there are those who totally understand the significance of the day. This drama class is going to write in their journals so they can internalize it and reflect.”

Visiting teacher, ZhongQing Shao, 28, of China said he hopes the new presidential administration will turn a new page in history.

“I hope not just in the U.S. alone, but all over the world,” he said. “This could be a very positive effect for all of us.”

Jericha McGill, 16, junior, said she is happy to have a different kind of role model.

“It’s like, wow,” she said. “We usually have athletes to look up to. Now we have someone in a prominent position who has gone through many of the same struggles we have.”

Brandon Warnock, 16, freshman, said he thinks there is no question it’s history in the making. But he’s most concerned with what is going to happen next.

“He’s gonna be the one in office when we are on our own as adults,” Warnock said. “The choices he makes will affect us. I am really proud to be an American today.”