TOWN OF WAPPINGER – Author Marisa Renee Lee and Wappinger Central School District alumna returned to town recently to meet with eighth graders at Wappingers Junior High School.  Lee spent the entire day meeting directly with students and talking about her journey from the middle school to the West Wing of the White House as a senior advisor to President Barack Obama.

Students asked Lee about her favorite subjects in high school and college, her favorite teachers, and her best memories from her time in the WCSD.

A major highlight of the discussion centered on her time serving under President Barack Obama. She described the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the administration, advising students to make time to take care of themselves in a high-pressure job.

One student asked which commander-in-chief she would choose to work for if given the chance to travel back in time. “Either Abraham Lincoln or Franklin D. Roosevelt,” Lee told the students, citing the profound impact both presidents had during some of the nation’s most defining crises.

The visit concluded with a message of encouragement from Lee, urging the future high schoolers to stay curious, support one another, and never underestimate the power of their own voices.

Marisa Renee Lee is also an advocate for causes including racial equity, grief support, and public service. Following her time in the White House, Lee continues to inspire audiences nationwide through her writing and speaking engagements.