Mid-Missouri classrooms take varied approaches to airing Obama's speech

COLUMBIA — Students at Rock Bridge High School laughed when the shocked face of a high school girl came on the screen just after President Barack Obama told them that even Michael Jordan struggled.

“Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team,” Obama said. “But he once said, ‘I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that's why I succeed.’”

On Tuesday, Obama addressed the nation's schoolchildren on the importance of staying in school, working hard and setting academic goals. Days before the 16-minute speech, which aired online and on television, the nature of Obama's message was questioned. Some parents wanted their children to be present for the speech for its historical significance, while others thought the speech would push a political agenda.