GIBBS ATTENDS HOLDEN INAUGURATION

Jackson Junior High School freshman, Justin Gibbs attended the Jan. 8 inauguration of Missouri Gov. Bob Holden.

Gibbs was a member of the children's delegation that served as grand marshals of the inaugural parade. Gibbs represented the junior high as well as the school district.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education coordinated the event that attracted more than 400 children from all over the state.

"I was able to meet people from all over the state," Gibbs said.

The inaugural parade was led by Holden and his family. The children's delegation, ranging in ages from 5 to 18 followed. Delegates received an official proclamation stating their status as parade grand marshals.

After the parade, the delegation watched the inauguration from the Rotunda of the Capitol on big-screen televisions. Then, after Holden made his inaugural address, he came inside to the Rotunda to talk with the children.

"I didn't actually get to meet him because there were so many people," Gibbs said but Gibbs had met Holden when he debated on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University during the political campaign.

"I feel very privileged to have been able to represent Jackson at the inauguration," Gibbs said.