It's another sign that change has come to America.
Officials in Hempstead on Long Island, east of New York City, held ceremonies yesterday officially naming an elementary school after President Barack Obama. School officials believe it's the first in the nation to be renamed for the 44th president.
The idea to change the name of Ludlum Elementary School to honor the Illinois Democrat came from the children, school officials said.
The students wrote essays and held mock debates during the campaign, and paid close attention when Obama and Republican Senator John McCain met in the final presidential debate last year at Hofstra University, about a mile from where their school is located.
"It really sends a message to children that when they get involved they can make a difference," said acting school Superintendent Joseph Laria.
Only weeks after the election, the school board unanimously passed a resolution making the change to honor the country's first black president. The school's enrollment is 62 percent Hispanic and 36 per cent black.
