Boulder students back off Barack Obama High

BOULDER - The leader of a group of students who has proposed changing the name of Boulder High School to Barack Obama High School said Thursday afternoon the group is backing off the plan.

Ben Raderstorf is president of the Student Worker Club, the 12-member group behind the attempted change.

He said Thursday he was ending the effort because of a lack of support.

Earlier on Thursday the Boulder High Student Council released a statement saying "the majority of the student body is in favor of keeping the name, Boulder High School."

"We are glad that Boulder High students feel comfortable expressing their opinions," the statement said, "but we are proud of our school and feel that a name change would diminish the lengthy and rich history of our school."

Wednesday, the Boulder Valley School District said it was considering Raderstof's proposal.

Boulder High School was founded in 1875 as a preparatory school for the University of Colorado, making it the first high school in Colorado. That is why it has the slogan: "Still the First." Boulder High School's current building was constructed in 1933.

Raderstorf said he wanted to change the name to recognize a great achievement for America in President Obama's election.