So yesterday so one of the better days of school this year. I left school at 8:45 with 28 other kids to go to see President Barack Obama speak on reforming the education program "No Child Left Behind" at my old middle school. The speech itself was great. After waiting in line to go through the Press metal detectors, and an airport like security system, we walked into our old gym and saw it had been transformed into a very formal, presidential style space. After all, it was the President of the United States speaking.

There was a student section off to the left of President Obama, and to the right of the audience. But, when we arrived to the section, there were two seats two rows behind Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. So, my friend Jordon and I bounded over to the seats. When Obama walked in (well, he ran in like he was being introduced at a basketball game), the gym went nuts! The speech was actually pretty good. The President spoke of reforming the "No Child Left Behind" program, and said he wanted congress to write up a new education bill for him to sign before all the students of the United States of America go back to school next fall.

After the speech, the President came down to shake hands. While he was on the other side of the semi-circle, Jordon and I approached Arne Duncan and congratulated him on a great speech, and commented on how much we liked his tie. I don't remember, but i think he said he liked my bow tie. After several minutes, Obama finally came to our part of the circle. Jordon shook his hand and said "I like your tie, Mr. President!" Obama thanked Jordon and moved on to me. I shook his hand (and, yes, he has soft hands and a very firm handshake), and I asked him how he liked the Gridiron Dinner he attended Saturday night. He replied with a smile, "It was great, I'm glad it got out on time."

I'm featured in the "Fixing Education" speech video at 27 seconds, 8 minutes and 39 seconds, and 20 minutes and 15 seconds. In the latter of the three time clips, yes, I am flipping my hair. JB would be proud.

(I will post a video of the speech later, or you can go to the White House website and watch the video there)