Joe's Take: Let Me Rise!

In 1971, a 10-year-old boy from a low-income family with a single mom received a scholarship to attend a private school. The school had a profound effect on his life. Years later he described that effect this way: “There was something about this school that embraced me, gave me support and encouragement, and allowed me to grow and prosper. I am extraordinarily grateful.”

The boy (pictured right) was Barack Obama. The school was the Punahou School in Hawaii (see the December issue of CAPE Outlook for the full story).

As a new ad points out, Mr. Obama now has an opportunity to ensure that similar children get the same chance he did – the chance for a future full of hope.

Voices of School Choice, a Web site promoting the right of parents to choose their child’s school, features a powerful, must-see video about these students titled “Let Me Rise.” Narrated by Juan Williams, the 30-minute film about the profound impact of school choice on particular families and children “offers a compelling look at the future of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program as told through the voices of the children whose educational futures continue to hang in the balance.”

The site also features several ad-length videos, including a particularly moving one about the effect that a private school scholarship had on President Obama.

A visit to Voices of School Choice would provide a refreshing and uplifting break from the evening news tonight.

(Posted by Joe McTighe, CAPE's Executive Director)