President George W. Bush's speech is serving as a teaching tool for students at Wheeling Park High School in Wheeling, W.Va.

"It's not everyday the president comes to your hometown. I wish they could all be there, but if they're not it is important that they see what is going on, how he thinks everything's going," said social studies teacher Jacob Galik.

After watching much of Bush's speech, students gave their opinion.

"I would agree that Saddam Hussein was bad, but I don't know that invading or sending troops over there, and the amount of troops that we have, is completely necessary," said Wheeling Park High School student Lauren Smith.

The war was the main topic for the president and for the students.

One student says he feels democracy can happen in Iraq.

"They need to set up their government, select a leader and officials that can represent the country through out different regions. I do think it is possible, but I do think it is going to take some time," said student Philip Stahl.

Wheeling is just one stop among many for the president as he tries to gain support for the war in Iraq..

"I appreciate the fact that he's coming to a small town like Wheeling, when he could go to Pittsburgh or Columbus or all those big places. That he cares about the smaller towns and knows that we're important too," said student Adam Oliver.

No matter what their opinion, the students will use this speech to learn more about the world.

Galik says he will follow up with a lecture on Bush's speech.

Barbara Anderson, NEWS9