When The President Drove By

 

Teaching in Florida was quite an experience and one that I will never forget. So many things happened, good and bad. One year, the President of the United States, who at the time was President Bush, notified our school that he was going to be coming to town for a fundraiser dinner. The home he was going to was down the road from our school. Remember, this was a wealthy private school in a wealthy private community. 

We were all excited! Love him or hate him, this was the President. What a wonderful lesson for the students. About a week before, the secret service invaded our school. They checked everything, under desks, every room, bathrooms, you name it. All teachers were asked a million questions, and every volunteer and staff member were examined and vetted. I never realized how much went into a Presidential visit. 

Finally, the day arrived. The whole school went outside to the playground where we watched the Presidential helicopter fly above. The student body waved and held the signs that we had been making all week. We waited with bated breath for the President and his entourage to come into our school. After about an hour, we were notified that due to time, he would not be able to come inside the school. But he would be driving by. The whole school went outside and stood on the sidewalk waiting to say hello.

Soon, they arrived. It was quite a sight to see. There had to be at least 10 vehicles, all black. One of the vehicles was a blacked-out van with the back open. Inside were about 6 guys armed with rifles. In between all of these vehicles was the limo containing the President. He stopped for about 2 minutes and waved out the window to the students and faculty. That was it. 

We sure went through a lot of trouble and prep for a 2-minute wave. But it was an experience that I'm glad I got to have. It's something to see what kind of security and safety is needed when the President comes to town. 

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