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The world was watching as America swore in its first African American president, and Castro Elementary School was no exception.

Classes stopped at the elementary school on Tuesday morning as students and teachers crowded into the auditorium to watch the inauguration, and share their wishes and hopes for the new president.

Just minutes after Barack Obama took office, Castro students already had advice ready on how to make the world a cleaner, safer and happier place. Student Anna Petti wants a world without war. A fifth grade class asked Obama to pursue his promises of peace and justice for all. And Christopher Luck Jawetz advised Obama to surround himself with talented, honest people.

One by one, second and third graders read aloud the letters in Spanish and English that they had written to Obama. Classes also presented stars made by the students in honor of Martin Luther King.

"I would like it very much if you would try not to go to war unless it is for a good cause," Petti read from her letter. "As president please make good choices and try to make America a better place."

Students laughed and cheered as they shared their dreams for the future of America. The school's Brownie troop brought out the American flag and led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Principal Judy Crates spoke of the significance of the inauguration.

"This is a very important day. You have seen something no one has ever seen before," Crates said. "When you get big and have your own children you can say I saw the inauguration of the first African American."

It seemed every student at Castro had a hopeful wish for the new president. Most wanted him to end the war in Iraq, provide health care for everyone and reduce global warming.

"Try to go green (conserve water, make more electric cars), surround yourself with smart people and don't pass bailout plans for companies that don't make satasfactorial [sic products," Christopher Luck Jawetz read from his letter.

Other students spoke about fixing local problems in their own communities.

"My advice to you is to break up the gangs. I know this is good advice," Bryan Mendoza-Fitz read from his letter to Obama.

He continued: "My dream for American is to give citizenship to everyone who wants it. My dream is you will be the best president."

One fifth grade class summarized its dreams for Obama this way: "We wish you keep your promises. End the war, get us out of this mess. We are the future."

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