President Barack Obama Reflects On His Upbringing and Thanks His Teacher For Making “such a difference in the lives of so many young people – including me”
A rare letter as President, written to his childhood teacher, linking his time as President with his childhood in Hawaii.
Barack Obama took office on January 20, 2009, after his election the prior November. It was an emotional election that centered around the economy, with race as a backdrop. He entered office amid a severe economic downturn, thanks to a large swell of enthusiasm among his supporters for change.
The...
Barack Obama took office on January 20, 2009, after his election the prior November. It was an emotional election that centered around the economy, with race as a backdrop. He entered office amid a severe economic downturn, thanks to a large swell of enthusiasm among his supporters for change.
The Punahou School was founded by missionaries in 1841. The campus is just up the hill from Waikiki, and it's built around a historic spring. Punahou occupies a privileged position, not just on the hillside, but in Hawaii society. It also played a pivotal role in the life of future President Obama.
In his memoir, "Dreams From My Father", Obama recalled how his grandfather pulled strings to get him in. "[F]or my grandparents, my admission into Punahou Academy heralded the start of something grand, an elevation in the family status," Obama wrote. A close friend of his described the role of Punahou in molding Obama: "Everywhere he turned, he could see a path to leadership. The highest level of achievement is something he can touch — it's tangible.”
Obama went on to a career in law, but he is also known for his great writing and oratory skills.
Autograph letter signed, no date, to his English teacher at Punahou School. “Dear Bill, Happy 80th Birthday! I have very fond memories of Punahou, and am grateful for educators like you that made such a difference in the lives of so many young people – including me. I hope you, Janet and the extended family have a joyous celebration.”
Letters of Barack Obama as president are uncommon, and we do not recall seeing another relating to his education.

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