News & Events

Meeting President Obama

By Casey, Grade 7

Thursday, February 19th was one of the most exciting days of my entire life. This was the day I got the privilege to meet the United States President Barack Obama. Since my father works at the American Embassy, we were invited to the presidential meet and greet at the Ottawa airport. We drove to the airport and waited in an airport hanger for nearly FIVE hours. It was agony. But, we did see Air Force One, Marine One and the President’s limo up close. After almost four hours had passed, a crowd began to form along the velvet ropes. While the adults maneuvered for position along the reception line, the children had a much better deal. We were allowed to go inside the rope line and sit on a few rows of small bleachers. I could not believe how close we were going to be to President Obama! With only thirty minutes left till he arrived, the area was bustling with excitement.

Suddenly, the room went silent. The President had arrived! He walked into the hanger. I was overwhelmed by thunderous applause and blinding camera flashes. I was completely in awe. I was standing less than 20 feet away from the President of the United States! President Obama gave a short speech, thanking us all for being great ambassadors of our country. It was a very proud moment for all of us in attendance. Then, he walked over to us. He smiled at us and everyone smiled back. “Hello! How are you all today?” He asked. “Goooood!” we all said in unison. He walked around high-fiving all the toddlers. Then we took a group picture. President Obama was standing right in front of me!

After the group picture, he turned around to face me. I shook his hand and said “It’s an honor to meet you sir.” He smiled at me and asked why we were wearing uniforms, referring to myself and my fellow Elmwood girls, Katie and Olivia. I replied, “Because we go to a uniform school.” (It was the best answer I could think of at the moment). He then asked us what school we went to. “Elmwood” we all answered at once. “Well, you look very nice!” He said. Then, he walked away, continuing to high five and shake hands with every child he walked past. He then greeted the adults, took some photos and was gone. We waited five hours to see President Barack Obama for forty minutes, but it was all worth it. This was definitely a day I’ll never forget.