Inauguration Day at St. Mary's

By Lily Saab

Today, thousands of people will be in Washington, D.C. to witness the inauguration of Donald Trump and the celebrations that follow the grand event. Tomorrow, thousands of people will also gather in the city for the Women's March on Washington. Members of the St. Mary's will respectfully observe or take part in both events.

     Today is a historic day, the Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. The upper school has chosen to show the Inauguration live from 10:15 to 12:50 in the Morrow Room to give students the opportunity to celebrate, to respect the tradition, or to simply be engaged citizens. As Dr. Steakley states, “We want to honor this day, and it is easy for us to provide girls the opportunity to witness history happening right now in our country. The only stipulation is that the girls must come respectfully. I want everyone to feel safe that they can watch without anyone around them making snide remarks.”
     In response to President Trump’s victory, there are many people who have expressed concerns about his ability to represent minorities. As a way of turning this concern into action, many of those people have organized “Women’s Marches”  across the nation. Claiming that “the rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us and our communities are hurting and scared,” these marches intend to “[unify] our communities, grounded in new relationships, to create change from the grassroots level up.” The largest march will be held in Washington D.C., and Memphis will be hosting one as well, beginning at the D’army Bailey Shelby County Courthouse Downtown and marching along Second Street.
   A few girls have chosen to participate in this cause, including senior Grayson Lusk-Hussong, who is travelling to D.C. this weekend. When asked about her decision, she said, “This election was the first time I voted, and while it didn’t turn out the way I hoped, I still believe that there is something I can do. So, for me, it’s not anti-Trump, but a stand for all the things I had believed in during the election and what I hoped for with Hillary. I am joining a million women to make a stand because we are stronger together.”