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MARQUETTE COUNTY -- "You want to be a doctor or a teacher or a police officer?  You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military?  You're going to need a good education for every single one of those careers."  With those words, President Obama kicked off the school year for students across the country. 

Ishpeming High School was one local school to show the speech to the entire student body.

"I was completely fine with seeing this video.  It was interesting.  It's nice to see that Barack Obama is out there trying to help us," said Kenny Peterson, an Ishpeming High School junior.

That's exactly why Ishpeming High chose to start the year with the President's pep-talk.

"I think the message is something that we've given to our students, that there's no other way to success than hard work.  But coming from the President of the U.S., especially someone as inspirational as Barack Obama, I think it carries even more significance for the students," said Brian Sarvello, Principal of Ishpeming High School.

Because some regard the President as a politician, Westwood High School--among others in the area--did not tune in.

"The most prudent way to approach this was to remain neutral; to allow parents and students to watch the speech from home as a family.  And again, here at school, we'll continue to reinforce the importance of hard work and goal setting," said Michael Haynes, Superintendent of NICE Community Schools.

Speaking of goal setting, President Obama offered this:  "That's why today, I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education, and do everything you can to meet them."