First Lady Michelle Obama visited AHS earlier today with First Lady of the Republic of Korea Kim Yoon-ok. They arrived at roughly at 11:00 a.m. and were led into the gymnasium by ten student ambassadors to begin the scheduled event.

Principal Vince Randazzo formally introduced Obama before she came on stage. Obama addressed the students in a speech, referencing the importance of an education and encouraging students to discover what interests them and pursue it. Everything she said was translated into Korean, allowing everyone present to partake in the event.

“Education is what brings us here to AHS,” Obama said. “An education is also about exploring new things, discovering what makes you come alive and then doing whatever you choose.”

Obama encouraged students to explore the many opportunities offered to them, citing performer Jennifer Ko from earlier in the event as an example of someone who experimented with many different activities before discovering her passion.

“And that is what I want for every single student in this room; I want you to discover something you like to do and be the best that you can be,” she said.

The first lady also mentioned U.S. President Barack Obama and President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak in her speech, using them as examples of those who rise from nothing to defy the odds and achieve success.

“No matter who it is, you will see the same qualities: passion, perseverance and most importantly, hard work,” she said.

Obama went on to conclude her speech by tying it back to AHS, calling the school the “perfect place to find out who you are and what you want to become.”

The first lady then welcomed her honorable guest, allowing Kim to take the stage and present a speech of her own. Again a translator was used, as the first lady of the Republic of Korea addressed those present solely in Korean.

Kim began by describing the school’s diversity and her pride at being present to witness firsthand the strong ties between the U.S. and South Korea. She then offered encouragement to the student body, saying that they would “soon need to confront the world.”

She further advised those present to remain hopeful throughout their future endeavors, always staying positive and striving to achieve success.

“Hope is still there even when you only see despair,” Kim said to the audience prior to the conclusion of her speech. She then thanked Randazzo and Obama for the invitation to attend, saying that she would cherish the opportunity for a long time to come.

The event began with a performance by the World Children’s Choir, which is comprised of children of all ages and ethnicities. The performance featured four different musical selections, including a traditional South Korean piece.

The World Children’s Choir performance was followed by presentations from two traditional Korean instrumentalists, AHS Ethiopian folk dancers junior Emmet Benti and seniors Sintayehu Meteku and Selam Desta and Grammy-nominated violinist Ko.

“We were really nervous, but it was great,” Benti said. “It was a great experience.”

Following the speeches made by Obama and Kim, the student escorts then took the stage themselves, standing alongside both women for one last round of applause from the audience. As the applause died down, the two first ladies exited the building, leaving students once again in silence as they reflected on the once-in-a-lifetime event.

Once the performances were over, Randazzo thanked all of the performers and the guests of honor. “All I can say is, aren’t these young people inspirational?”

By CJ Aftergut, Nikki Contrino and Annie Curran

Co-Editor in Chiefs and Managing Editor