Social studies students in Dorothy Rahal’s class hold the letter and photos sent from the White House. They are joined by Brooks, standing at center on the back row, and Rahal, standing at far right.
Assistant Principal Nowell Brooks shared the letter and photos with students on November 10. He visited in Dorothy Rahal’s social studies class during the morning and showed them the letter, signed by the President and on official White House stationery.
Included with the letter was an autographed photo of President Obama and an autographed photo of the First Family, including First Lady Michelle Obama and their teenage daughters Malia and Sasha. There were even two photos of the family’s dogs, Bo and Sonny.
Brooks had made a written request several weeks ago to the White House as part of the students’ studies about the home of the President and our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Brooks said since a trip to Washington and the White House was not possible right now for the students, he wanted to bring the White House to them.
“I was so pleased when I received all of this in the mail,” Brooks said. “I didn’t really think that the White House would send all of this, but I’m thrilled for our students.”
The materials from the White House, also included a diagram of the home, to show the students where the First Family residence is located, as well as all of the offices for the President’s administration.
In his letter, the President told the students, “One of the greatest lessons you can learn about our government is that every citizen has an opportunity and a responsibility to participate. Elected representatives listen carefully to citizens as they cast votes and make decisions and your views are important to me. I want to hear your opinions and ideas as we work to build a brighter future for your generation.”
The President went on to write, “I hope you will study hard in school, contribute in class and volunteer in your community, so that you will be prepared to help lead our nation to a better tomorrow. Please know I expect great things from you and I wish you all the best.”
The President’s signature is at the bottom of the letter.