Kayla’s Comments: Seymour teacher attends inauguration

“I think everybody should go once, regardless of political affiliation,” says Rob Ailey. “To see a man step up and take the hardest job in the world is just neat.” Ailey is a teacher and guidance counselor at Seymour High School and has been a teacher for 23 years and a guidance counselor for 3 years. For Ailey, attending the Presidential inauguration was the icing on the cake after months of organizing local events and campaigning for the re-election of President George W. Bush. He acted as the First Congressional District Area Chairman, and his job included coordinating efforts between the state and the 9 county organizations, helping get information for the 9 county headquarters, and helped plan local stops for the Bush Victory Tour. Ailey feels that being involved locally with the campaign gave him “a tremendous opportunity to do something I enjoy and to meet new people from different counties.” Campaigning for Bush was important because, “I believed in him and what he was doing.” Being able to visit Washington, D.C. again was an event in itself. He has been many times for school trips and vacations. He found time during his bust trip to play tourist around the city. Being surrounded by many historically important and beautiful places has always appealed to him, and being Seymour High School’s Art History teacher, he can see the beauty in the architecture, monuments, and gardens. He recalls watching the sunset at the new World War II memorial. The days surrounding the ceremony were eventful, with plenty of breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and dinners for the Tennessee delegation. During these events, Ailey visited with old friends and met Senators, Congressmen, and other political figures. Ailey attended President Bush’s first inauguration ceremony four years ago, but “this time we had better seats-right behind the Congressional Medal of Honor Winners.” A highlight of the day was seeing the former Seymour students play in the UT band during the parade. That evening, Ailey and his wife Janice “got all dressed up” and attended the Democracy Ball, where they watched President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush dance the official dance of the evening. Ailey takes pride in his work in the campaign and feels that everyone should be involved with the election of our leaders. “It is our responsibility to be involved in politics. There have been so many people to work for our democracy, and if we don’t get involved, we are letting them down.” He also sees his involvement as a way to be an example for his students, and knows the importance of getting the younger generations to utilize the right to vote. Although Ailey tries to keep his job and politics separate, “I always support someone in elections and always vote because I know my students will see my example.” Looking back on his time at the inauguration, Ailey says, “Washington D.C. is a wonderful city at any time, but it comes to life during an inaugural week. I will most remember that we were a part of history. It was very cold, but I would do it again today if I could.”