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97-Year-Old Howard County School Volunteer Meets President Obama, VP Biden

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJZ) -- From elementary school volunteer to invited White House guest, a 97-year-old Howard County woman is honored for her volunteer work at a local elementary school.

Marcus Washington has more on what sparked the attention of the White House.

Through all the accolades and travel with the Army, Vivian Bailey never experienced a class trip while in school. So through her volunteer work, she was able to go on her first school trip -- at 97-years-old. That sparked the attention of the White House to make her next field trip one she would never forget.

From her Howard County kitchen table, 97-year-old Vivian Bailey works her magic, getting people to donate thousands of dollars to benefit Running Brook Elementary School.

Her goal while volunteering has always been to ensure that all kids are able to experience education outside of the classroom--something she never experienced.

"When I was growing up in Tulsa in the segregated schools, we didn't have field trips. Now whether the white kids had them or not, I don't know," said Bailey.

It was a selfless push to help others that got the attention of a local D.C. TV station and the White House.

"The school first got a call from the White House and then I got one and they said they were inviting me to do a tour of the White House," said Bailey.

Mrs. Bailey says the invite never suggested a visit would be anything but that--but then she met Vice President Joe Biden.

"I think one of the first things he said to me was 'I want a hug.' And I said, 'Oh, certainly.' And then he said, 'Someone else wants to meet you,'" she said.

And then it happened. Mrs. Bailey came face to face with President Barack Obama.

"It was awesome. It was wonderful. It was overwhelming--just to be in the Oval Office and meeting the president. It was a dream come true," said Bailey.

"For this to happen to Mrs. Bailey, a most deserving person, was my wish come true," said Melissa Peyton, teacher, Running Brook Elementary School.

"Trying to get any needs that teachers have and the most important part is making sure our students go on field trips so that they can experience the education that they need outside of the classroom," said Peyton.

Now that she's lived her dream come true, what's next for Mrs. Bailey?

"If by any remote chance I could get the first lady to visit my school, visit Running Brook, that would really be the icing on the cake," she said.

With her luck, that just might happen. Mrs. Bailey was also able to get a letter to Mrs. Obama--through the president.

Last year, Mrs. Baiely was able to help Running Brook Elementary School raise more than $13,000. This year, she says they will surpass $14,000 in donations.

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