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Cathedral High School students watch the inauguration of Donald Trump Friday in Natchez. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Cathedral students, Connor Mire, Landon Harvard and Miller Downer watch the inauguration on the video screen in their classroom. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Trinity students Cortez Adams, Spencer Adams and Jasmine Ivory watch from their science classroom. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — High school students in Natchez watched along with people across the world Friday as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States.

Some were optimistic about the next four years in America, others upset over his election, and some uncertain that Trump’s presidency would even have an effect on their lives.

Cathedral School senior Daniel Garrity said he was raised in a Republican family. Garrity said he thinks the next four years look promising for America.

“I think if (Trump) can do what he said he wants to do, then the country has good chances,” Garrity said. “I think if he does things well, then you can’t be mad at him if the country succeeds. He doesn’t have the same views as everyone … but there are still a lot of people who are friends on opposite ends of the spectrum. It’s about more than just views.”

Cathedral senior Craig Bradley said he was mostly happy the election — one of the most divisive in American history — was over. He said the Friday’s inauguration felt like it could be a chance for a fresh start.

“I think he can unite the United States, but we are just going to have to if he can follow up on what he promised,” Bradley said. “I think Trump can come in and make changes for the good. People may not believe in him now, but maybe we’ll see if people start believing in him more.”

Natchez High School senior Caymen Gaines said he thinks America will see progress come out of Trump’s presidency, especially when it comes to the national debt.

“He’s a business man, and when he comes in, he’s going to do business and talk numbers,” Gaines said.

Gaines is apprehensive, though, about Trump’s thoughts on foreign policy and immigration, but says he is generally optimistic about Trump’s leadership.

“I’m nervous about foreign policy,” he said. “When you think about it, America, we’re basically all immigrants. I don’t know how you can lock out (immigrants) when the whole country is based on immigration. But I am really optimistic (about) everything else.”

Fellow NHS seniors Jakerria Redden and Cassandra Ford said they do not share Gaines’ optimism.

Redden and Ford said they were sad to see former President Barack Obama leave the White House.

They do not think Trump is “presidential material.”

“I don’t want him in office at all,” Redden said. “He’s going to be a terrible president. … He’s disrespectful, and he’s not presidential.”

Ford said she is worried Trump will destroy services and aspects of government that are much needed by Americans.

“I honestly feel like we’re in trouble,” she said. “I think he’s going to destroy what’s already here. I think he’s trying to take away Obamacare … and that’s not fair. He’s for people who already have what they need and not for people who need help.”

Cathedral senior Derrion Batieste said he doesn’t think much will change while Trump is president.

“It never does,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to affect me. I’ll still live my life the same.”

Cathedral senior Robert Hargrave agreed.

“It doesn’t matter who we voted for, we are still going to live our same lives,” he said.

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