President Obama Speaks at Henninger High School in Syracuse – Live Blog

President Barack Obama continues his swing though Upstate NY at Henninger High School. We are live blogging the event. The president's speech is expected to start just before 6PM.

6:56 Wrapping up live blog coverage.

6:49 Obama closes his speech in Syracuse "We're going to ensure you can make it in this country if you try." He works the front row of the crowd for a few minutes before wrapping up his vist to Henniger High School.

6:44 Obama: 3 goals: 1 Increase Value. 2 Encourage Innovation 3 If you've taking on student load debt, you should be able to manage that debt

6:42 Obama: Today I have introduced major reforms. Some of these changes I can make on my own, some will require congress. We want to work with colleges and we'll be asking more of students, too.

6:35 President pivots his speech to his main topic of education.

6:30 President's speech slightly delayed by a heckler in the crowd.

6:22 President Obama takes the stage to a rousing ovation. Calls out local digintaries including Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Minor, NY AG Eric Schneiderman, Congressman Dan Maffei, and SCSD leaders and students from all 5 Syracuse high schools.

6:21 Syracuse Corcoran HS Emilio Ortiz, "I am the Syracuse City School District" and calls out a challenge to become the most improved urban school district in America.

6:18 Final moments before the president's speech. A local high school senior, Emilio Ortiz introduces the president, per the Post-Standard's @mbreidenbach

6:06 US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan makes an opening statement on the importance of education, which will be the main focus of the president's remarks.

6:01 The crowd begins an Obama-Obama chant

5:59 The traveling press corps has arrived inside the Henninger gymnasium as the speech time draws very near.

5:44 The president's motorcade has exited the Thruway and is making its way to Henninger High School

4:30 The superintendent of the Syracuse City School District makes an opening address noting the president will address college affordability in his speech..

4:25PM The event beings with the Star Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegence

4:00PM Arrival at Henninger High School in Syracuse. Teall Ave from I-690 to Robinson is lined with demonstrators. Signs included anti-fracking and anti-drone messages.

Live stream of the president's Speech via C-SPAN.