An annual writing project by Carterville second-graders brought praise from the White House earlier this year.

Ashley Dixon’s class last spring penned a book entitled “If I Were President.” An envelope with a letter and photo from President Barack Obama reached Carterville in late September.

“Oh my gosh! How exciting!” Dixon said. “I didn’t expect it at all. It was a fun project, but having the president write back was the cherry on top.”

Dixon copied Obama’s letter for her former students, who were thrilled to learn of the recognition.

“They were so excited a book they worked on was now in the White House,” Dixon said.

Dixon’s class writes and illustrates a book each spring. Because of the historic nature of the election, Dixon chose the presidential theme.

Though students may not fully understand big issues like economics, taxes and green energy, Dixon said they picked up on issues at home.

“I think they heard parents saying what they wanted the president to do,” she said. “The book gave a sense of what adults and kids were thinking about.”

Drawings of White House chambers like the bowling alley, Yellow Room and media briefing room accompanied the text as students sketched their interpretations of various locations in the presidential mansion.

The (Marion) Daily Republican