A life-sized cut out of Barack Obama stands in the hallway of the elementary school to greet students on inauguration day.

Fourth- and fifth-graders watch the inaugural address in the library at the elementary school.

Fifth-graders Ethan Sprague, Olivia Alfieri. Bridie McNamara, Meghanne Fitzsimmons, and Kelsey L'Ecuyer listen to the inaugural address.

Third-grade teacher Sharlene Tuttle contemplates the day's events.

HES teachers Cynthia Ambrosino, Reenie Keith, Ruth Schemel, Sangita Marya, and Christine Reale listen from the back of the room.

Third-graders watch Barack Obama’s inaugural address on CNN streamed through a computer to a smart board in their classroom.

Seventh- and eighth-graders watch the inaugural address in the Cronin Auditorium at Bromfield.

Ninth-graders Kaya Phillips. Katie Lovelock, and Jacob Klein listen in the Bromfield cafeteria.

Bromfield students rise and sing the National Anthem in the Cronin Auditorium where many watched the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, the nation’s first president of African descent.

Kristin Tomasello, Grace Tuttle, and Jack Broadbent listen raptly to the inaugural address in the Bromfield cafeteria.

Julie Moberly, Laura Martineau, Susie Macrae, Barbara Kemp, Marcia Croyle, and Cindy Buehner pose before heading to Worcester to watch the inauguration at Mechanics Hall. (Courtesy photo)