February 13, 2009

Dear President Obama

Kids across the nation share their ideas with the 44th President of the United States

By Vickie An

Last month, the National Education Association (NEA) and kidthing.com asked young people around the world to share their thoughts with President Barack Obama. More than 4,500 of you sent in letters and drawings expressing your hopes and dreams for the nation. A special selection of 150 of these letters and drawings appears in a new digital book, Dear Mr. President.

Voices of the Future

The collection will be available for free on the kidthing website. It will be released on February 16, just in time for President's Day. Go to kidthing.com/DMP for more information. You can sign up to receive an e-mail reminder when the digital book is ready for download. If you are 13 or younger, a parent or guardian must download the kidthing media player for you. A limited-edition print copy of the book will be sent to the White House for the First Family.

"The children conveyed incredible sensitivity and understanding with respect to the difficult tasks and challenges facing this new president," said Larry Hitchcock, the head of kidthing. "I believe President Obama will be proud of their commitment and patriotism and most of all, I believe he will welcome the opportunity to hear their thoughts for our future."

From Sea to Shining Sea

Entries poured in from the United States to Japan, and everywhere in between. The letters shared concerns about the environment, the war and equality for all people. Sasha, 10, from California, asked Obama if he could "try to make a greener planet and try to bring home the troops." Ohio student Alexander, 11, had medicine on his mind: "My dream is that a cure for cancer will be found." And Amanda, 7, from New Jersey, hopes that Obama can "make America a better place."

"The Dear Mr. President project has empowered students to be a voice for change in America by writing their own piece of history," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "Students not only had a unique opportunity to share with their classmates, but also with the global community and with President Obama."

Here is a peek at some of the artwork and letters featured in the Dear Mr. President digital book.

Kayla, 8, from Michigan, wrote: "This is a picture of people all across the United States of America! My future is to be a pet doctor. My dreams and hopes are [for] the United States [to] stay a free country."



Kimberly, 9, from Florida, drew a picture of President Obama standing in front of the American flag.



Roger, 9, from Florida, tells the 44th U.S. President: "I know you’re just beginning to be President, but remember to . . . do your best."



Lauren Rose, 9, from Vermont, wishes for "World Peace."

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