President Obama’s Nashville Visit In 12 Photos

President Obama arrived later than expected. After being introduced by a McGavock High School student, the President offered his condolences to the family and friends of a student who died of a gunshot wound this week. “Some of you lost a good friend,” he said. “So I want you to know that Michelle and I have been praying for you and I know that all of us are sending prayers to those families.” It was thought Obama might use the opportunity to talk about gun violence, but he did not. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

President Obama offered condolences to friends and family of the student who was killed by a gunshot wound this week. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

Students made up most of the crowd at McGavock High School. Politicians also got an invite, though primarily Democrats came. They included former Vice President Al Gore. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

Throughout the speech, cell phone cameras were held up in the invitation-only crowd. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

McGavock was the star of the show. President Obama highlighted the academies within the school that focus students on paths, like finance or entertainment. He also highlighted the graduation rate, which has climbed by 22 percent in recent years. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

Tennessee’s top Democrats arrived for the event. Rep. Steve Cohen is the congressman from Memphis. Rep. Jim Cooper of Nashville was also in the house. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

Several Metro Schools board members Tweeted about getting to shake President Obama’s hand. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

President Obama works the rope line after speaking at McGavock High School on Thursday. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

Protesters lined the expected route from the airport to McGavock High School. However, the President’s motorcade came in the back way. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

Obama supporters also lined the route to McGavock. These pro-Obama protesters chanted about immigration reform. Credit: Stephen Jerkins