GAS CITY, Ind. -- With less than two weeks left until President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in, 21 Gas City middle school students are preparing to witness history.

The R.J. Baskett Middle School students have raised thousands of dollars in order to be able to spend four days in Washington, D.C. for the Jan. 20 inauguration, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

"It's part of history. I'm a huge history fan. That is my favorite subject. To be a part of history, like, that is great," said Alexus Bradley.

While the students are studying politics leading up to the big event, their teachers and chaperones are doing some preparation of their own.

"We're actually going to have a practice where we are going walk through how to get on the subway as a group so we don't lose anybody or leave anybody behind," said teacher Joel Sommer.

Ashley Carl is especially excited about the trip because her grandfather, who spoke at the Democratic National Convention, will be there with her.

"It's going to be really fun to see him and hang out with him and stuff while he is there with me," she said.

While classmate Braden Goins has no direct connection with Obama, he is linked by his heritage and says he is inspired by the soon-to-be 44th president's deeds.

"It could open things up for many African-Americans, even myself, to do things, to be president someday," he said.

The group leaves for Washington on Jan. 19.

TheIndyChannel will broadcast the inauguration live on Jan. 20.

More Information:

Complete Inauguration Coverage