The Long Island sixth-grader, who made national headlines earlier this month after her middle school teacher reportedly prevented her fr...
The Long Island sixth-grader, who made national headlines earlier this month after her middle school teacher reportedly prevented her from selecting President Donald Trump as a "hero" for a school project, just received a very special gift from the president himself.
What's the background?
When selecting a "hero" on which to conduct a class research project, Bella Moscato's sixth-grade teacher reportedly shut down her plan of picking Trump. The teacher rationalized her decision by telling young Bella that Trump "spreads negativity and says bad stuff about women."
Instead, the teacher suggested Bella select a different president like former President Barack Obama. Bella said the suggestion made her angry.
The teacher's alleged actions, which Bella's school district denied having occurred, outraged Bella's parents.
"My daughter has every right to do and pick a hero of her choice. It's a First Amendment right, freedom of speech, freedom of expression," Bella's mom, Valerie Moscato, told a local news station. "So it was really upsetting to me that [the teacher] was trying to shut her down."
Meanwhile, Bella's dad, Arthur Moscato, said at a local school board meeting the teacher's alleged actions "incensed" him.
What did Trump send?
On Friday, Valerie Moscato revealed Trump sent Bella a personal letter thanking the 11-year-old for her support.
The letter, written on official White House letterhead and included Trump's personal signature, read:
Dear Bella,
I was honored to learn that you selected me as your hero for a school project. Your heartfelt and longstanding support means a great deal to me.
I am proud of you for standing up for yourself. Everyone deserves to receive the same care and respect we give ourselves. I encourage you to always be yourself and keep making your voice heard. There is no one else like you, and our country's bright future relies upon your leadership!
The First Lady and I send our best wishes to you and your family. God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump.
My daughter Bella got the biggest surprise today in the mail!An envelope addressed to her from the White House!!!! She was so excited! Received a bunch of cool stuff and a letter from him!THANK YOU! @realDonaldTrump @DonaldJTrumpJr @raficarone_21 pic.twitter.com/Y7DDXoOjwF— Valerie Moscato ✝️ (@valeracci) April 19, 2019
Included in the package were other White House memorabilia.