RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
And far from Washington, a group of children eagerly await Inauguration day. They're children at Eagle's Nest Intermediate School in Tuba City, Arizona. They live in the windswept high desert, part of the Navajo Nation, a place where about half the adults are unemployed. These fourth, fifth and sixth graders were given a class assignment: Write a letter to the president-elect.
Mr. IAN HUNTER BURDEN (Student, Eagle's Nest Intermediate School, Tuba City, Arizona): Dear Mr. Obama, My name is Ian Hunter Burden. If I was president, I would be panicked. But you don't look panicked. Sincerely, Ian Hunter Burden.
Mr. CHRISTOPHER TINAJERO (Student, Eagle's Nest Intermediate School, Tuba City, Arizona): Dear Mr. Obama, My name is Christopher Tinajero. I live in a brick house. All my family needs is food. Whenever I get home I'm hungry. We can't go anywhere because we have no gas to drive. My mom voted for you, Obama, because we are such big fans. I would want you to take away guns so our people don't have to die. Sincerely, Christopher Tinajero.
Mr. CLARENCE CHAMPAGNE (Student, Eagle's Nest Intermediate School, Tuba City, Arizona): Dear Mr. Obama, Hello, my name is Clarence Champagne. Our school is broke. Please give us money. We kids are in need of books. I would like some new computers and a gym. We told everybody to vote for you. I think we deserve some credit. Sincerely, Clarence Champagne.
Ms. LEAH MARIA GRASS (Student, Eagle's Nest Intermediate School, Tuba City, Arizona): Dear Mr. Obama, My name is Leah Maria Grass. I am a Navajo. We have clans. I am Bitter Water. I was wondering if you could come to my house. Whenever would be good. You are really good at what you do. Take care. Thank you, or as my culture says, ahehee', Leah Maria Grass.
MONTAGNE: See the kids and read and hear more letters to the incoming president from the Eagle's Nest students at our Web site. This is Morning Edition from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.