Obama responds to 8-year-old's letter

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - What started out as a homework assignment for an 8-year-old boy ended with a big surprise.

Jaymond Armstrong chose to write a letter to then presidential candidate Barack Obama. He's a 3rd grader at Hendricks Elementary School in Shelbyville, Indiana.

Jaymond chose to write the letter to Obama because he had a common connection with the senator.

Armstrong said, "Well he just looks like me."

Jaymond's mom, Susan Armstrong said, "I think he really identifies with him because Jaymond is bi-racial. His father is African-American and not at home, not in the picture."

Susan wrote the letter that he dictated because his arm was broken. She was so touched by his thoughts that she shared it with his former kindergarten teacher who knew someone with the Democratic Party.

"I asked Susan if it would be all right to include that information. She had written the address on the back of the letter for me and then I made a note so that the senator understood why the letter was not in a child's handwriting," said Teresa Meredith, Jaymond's former teacher.

The letter made its way to Mr. Obama while at a rally in downtown Indianapolis just a week and a half away from the election. Days after Mr. Obama won, the Armstrong's got a surprise.

Jaymond said, "I saw Obama for America and then I was like yes, yes finally a letter."

Jaymond read part of the letter. He said, "Thank you for your support and for taking the time to write to me even though your arm was broken."

Jaymond plans to write Mr. Obama after his inauguration. Only this time he can address it to Mr. President.