The student view

Most came wearing jeans, neckties, and nervous smiles. Hundreds of teenage delegates selected from schools across the state waited anxiously in front of the Shubert Theatre yesterday for Deval Patrick’s Youth Inaugural celebration. Inside, young dancers from Roxbury’s OrigiNation, musicians from the Berklee College of Music, and the new governor took the stage to thunderous applause. Here, some share their thoughts about issues confronting the state and the new governor.

Jonas Payne, 15
New Mission High School, Roxbury

"He showed that anybody can accomplish anything no matter what color skin they're in as long as they are committed. He's an example to most kids today, many growing up in the projects, that you must believe to achieve."

Shauna-Kaye Clarke, 15
New Mission High School, Roxbury

"My mother made me listen to his speeches and I realized how good it is, African - Americans coming up like this. Being here, seeing him in person, is a major event in my life."

Jazmin Rivera, 17
Sabis International Charter School, Springfield

"To me, it doesn't make sense that one of the country's safest cities (Newton) and one of the country's most dangerous cities (Springfield) are both in the same state. We should all feel safe. So, I hope he lives up to his promises and gets the job done."

Kleaver Cruz, 17
Amherst Regional High School, A Better Chance program

"Deval Patrick made the same sacrifices I did, leaving everything, my family, my friends, and everything I know in the Bronx, to come to Massachusetts for a better life. And he's showing me that the sacrifice is worth it."

Isaac Nam , 17
Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School

"It's really symbolic this year, because you know, there's a new U N secretary general, Ban Ki Moon. You're seeing minorities take positions of power."

Jacqui Maille , 16
Haverhill High School

"At our school the teachers are slowly decreasing and the classes are swelling. I'm hoping for an answer on if we'll get more teachers in the classroom."