LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- It was history in the making, and like never before, this election brought young people into the political process.

So, during the inauguration, many Colorado schools put their usual schedules on hold to let students experience the moment as it happened.

At Lakewood High School, every classroom has a Smartboard, so all the students watched the inauguration live in class.

"Obviously, this was the central theme in our entire semester in government," said teacher Pat McCabe. "The excitement around him, just based on his energy, kids need to see this."

What his students did during the inauguration might come as a surprise, though. Students such as Asia Finlayson have felt the impact of the war, the economy and the past.

"It’s just emotional right now. I’m just trying to hold back the tears because I’m so happy," she said. "Because right now, in my family, I’m struggling so hard. It touches me because he shows that somebody out there really cares."

So when President Barack Obama stood to take the oath of office, so did they.

And the class of 14- and 15 -year-olds kept standing through the entire inaugural address.

"I was standing for excitement, and because this is going to be a big change," said Eric Hernandez.

"He kind of paved the way for me to follow my dreams," said Aijah McMillian, who wants to go into politics.

Regardless of his race, students said, Obama is an inspiration.

"If you're not from a really well-off family, you can still succeed, you can do what you want in this country and that's the great thing about it," said Izzy Vanicelli.

And that, students said, was something worth standing for.