April 10, 2008
First Lady Recognizes Lincoln County Students

White House Photo by Krisanne Johnson.

By Dave Maxwell, Staff Writer

First Lady Laura Bush, just before Christmas 2007, wrote a letter of congratulations to the students of the Lincoln County School District for their participation in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Pioche Elementary Principal Pete Peterson said it was “Pretty impressive. We thought it was fantastic.” The letter was unexpected and included a picture of the First Lady. “We thought it was absolutely fantastic that she would take the time to do that.”

The students had hoped to be able to meet with Mrs. Bush while on their trip to Washington, D.C., but were unable to. As reported in the December 20, 2007 issue of The Lincoln County RECORD Nevada Senator Harry Reid visited with them and arranged for a tour of the White House.

It’s not the first time the sixth grade classes have traveled to Washington, D.C., they went in 2006 as well, but this is the first time they received a letter from the First Lady. Peterson said the letter was read to the sixth graders at Pioche Elementary.

Peterson said he is thankful the community has been so supportive in raising the necessary money for the students to make the trip to Washington, D.C. and to participate in the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. “We really appreciate the community, they see the value in this,” he said.