The presidential inauguration of Barack Obama is just days away.
But perhaps no one but the Obama family is quite as excited about it as students from the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville.
A group of 18 students and 8 staff members are leaving for Washington D.C. early tomorrow to witness history. They've seen the journey to the White House come full circle.
For 19-year-old Amanda Gean, the journey to the White House began in February of 2007 when she and several other students from the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville got tickets from a local legislator to attend Barack Obama's Announcement that he would run for President.
Then last August she and Pauline Widurski braved the heat with many other ISD students to witness Obama's pick of Joe Biden as his running mate. After maneuvering through the crowd, Amanda and a friend were able to meet Obama and Biden personally...but the big surprise came from Michelle Obama.
Gean said, "Michelle started to say my name is Michelle and she spelled her name I was like oh my gosh why am I not taking a picture right now?"
Widurski said, "I was shocked that she knew finger spelling. She actually did. It was amazing."
ISD Superintendent Marybeth Lauderdale said, "Michelle signed to kids and they realized she speaks out language. They feel empowered. We all expected to watch the inauguration on tv."
But excitement wasn't over, not by a long shot.
Due to the students' dedication to following Obama through his campaign, a legislator got tickets for the students to attend the historic inauguration. And as fast as their hands are talking, these students are excited and aware of the importance of their upcoming trip to our nation's capitol.
Gean said, "It will be a part of my history....period."
Student Marcos Rodriguez said, "I hope to meet Obama face to face."
While they may not actually get to shake President Obama's hand, this trip also brings a valuable lesson to these teenagers.
Gean said, "The deaf are able to do anything and have opportunities like hearing students. I am really proud that ISD will be represented."
The students leave on a bus in the morning and will get to tour popular Washington attractions.
They're also are staying at Gallaudet Unversity the only college for the deaf in the world.
To pay for the 8 thousand dollar trip, students are relying on donations to the Illinois Foundation for Deaf Children.
If you can help, send donations to:
Illinois Foundation for Deaf Children
125 Webster
Jacksonville, IL 62650
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