November 4, 2008 was a day that went down in history. This day, the very first African-American was elected president. During this political time much controversy was taking place. Whether voting for Barack Obama or not, everyone was involved in some way or another.

“I remember the bitter competition, not only in the general election but in the primaries as well. I supported Barack Obama throughout the entire campaign. I also remember when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate and the controversy surrounding her and her family,” said senior Austin Wirth.

However some were greatly affected by this November day; younger children did not realize the importance of the election and what it meant for their future.

Highand Hills sixth grader Kamryn Plaiss was barely seven on the day of election and does not feel that it has impacted her personally.

Despite her young age, her memories still included feelings of the election.

  “I think maybe people were mad at first but gave Obama a chance and found out everything is for the best,” said Plaiss.

Beyond the fierce competition to run the country, there were many reasons Americans thought of this as one of the most important days.

“It was big because our country was facing a recession and war, so we needed a leader who could change our country’s direction,” said junior Gordon Heltzel.

As the election is now four years behind us, the issue of the first African American president is still being made relevant through social media.

Wirth agreed social media has a profound effect on the election.

“I think we found what a huge impact the internet can have on an election. Websites like YouTube made presidential debates available to be watched by anyone at any time. The Internet was a massive resource for candidates to spread their messages.”