News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Thousands of letters reach the White House daily, but few people receive direct phone calls from the Vice President’s secretary.
Christian Academy of the Cumberlands Principal Darci Bernabei said she felt elated to hear the voicemail about an invitation she sent to the White House.
“Alani that works in his office had left a message on the answering machine. He said they really appreciated the offer. They had looked through the calendar,” Bernabei said. “There was no way for them to make it work that week. But they really did appreciate the opportunity to be invited. More than anything they thought it was incredible they are being prayed for across the nation.”
The Christian Academy of the Cumberlands received a voicemail from the White House. (Photo: CAC Website)
Bernabei had sent various invitations to the White House for some 20 years.
“When I became literacy leader and then assistant principal, the combination of those two was about 12 years. And ever since I have been here is another three years,” Bernabei said. “So for about 15 years consistently, I have reached out to the White House to come and speak or read for Read Across America Week.”
Bernabei said in the past she received cards and autographed photos in reply, but never a phone call.
The most recent invitation was for White House staff to join the Cumberland County School’s celebration for Read Across America Week.
“It is a celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. His birthday is on March 2nd and so the week prior, we celebrate Read Across America Week,” Bernabei said. “And try to really just pump the kids up about reading and get families involved and let them know how important it is to read every night with your child.”
Bernabei said the call reinstated hope that the government truly considers her invitations.
“I don’t know if this guy is an actor or if he really meant it, but it was so genuine and you know he just really regretted they couldn’t come. That was the tone that he used,” Bernabei said. “And I really appreciated that because they have major things to talk about but I am assuming that they think education and children are important and that is why they called.”
Bernabei said she intends to send more invitations in the future.
“I have that hope. And I do intend to send a thank you letter and give them the open invitation to work it into their schedule,” Bernabei said. “Because we will greet them whenever they can come.”
Bernabei said maybe one day the President will come to the Read Across America Week celebration.
