Grade school takes Obama's name

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Barack Obama, two months from taking the oath of office as the 44th U.S. president, already has a school in New York state named in his honor.

The Hempstead school board on Long Island voted unanimously Thursday night to give the president-elect's name to Ludlum Elementary School. Joseph Laria, the district superintendent, told Newsday the name change is immediate, although the district has not yet arranged for a new Barack Obama Elementary School sign.

Laria said students at the predominately minority grade school, with support from teachers and school staff, wanted the name change . The school held mock debates before the Nov. 4 election.