Barack Obama Elementary School

Few days ago, Political Punch' Jake Tapper reported that

A New York elementary school has been re-named in honor of President-elect Barack Obama. Ludlum Elementary School in Long Island's Hempstead Union Free School District was re-named at a board meeting Thursday, at the request of numerous school students.

"Just to watch these kids after the board voted on what they asked them to do, they were so elated," school district superintendent Dr. Joseph Laria told ABC News. "You want to talk about "Yes we can!"? That was a lesson in democracy."

Effective immediately, Ludlum will now be known as Barack Obama Elementary School, following a decision by the board to adopt the resolution drafted by students and staff.

While some are calling this move a "cult of personality", I believe this decision should be viewed as an event "honoring those who inspire us". Remember that the school name has been amended on students' request. Indeed, in the course of our lives we demonstrate - in various and creative ways - great kindness to individuals who helped shape our character. We are grateful to those mentors without whom we would not have been where we are now; Friends, parents, relatives and even strangers are showered with our praises whenever they make a positive contribution in our lives.
So why not rename a school after a politician who made us realize that honesty, transparency, courage, altruism, generosity and most importantly HOPE can cohabit with politics and power. A man who convincingly reminded us that hard work truly pays off whenever we remain persistent. Finally, in his acceptance speech in Denver last August Barack Obama repeated one of the most important rules that shaped his campaign: "you are not strong by putting other people down. You're strong by lifting other people up".