A fourth-grader at Chocowinity Primary School received a packet of mementos from the most-prestigious address in the country earlier this year.

Jayshawn Blackledge, a fourth-grade student in Cameron Hill’s classroom, was excited to find in his mailbox a packet of information and a letter from President Barack Obama.

“I was surprised to get it … but I knew it was coming at some point,” Jayshawn said of the package, which he received after writing to the president regarding conditions in eastern North Carolina during Hurricane Irene last year. The youngster’s family home was damaged during the storm.

“I told the president that about half the roof came off our house and that there should be more shelters, and more homes should be safer,” Jayshawn recalled.

In response, the president wrote, in part, “I want you to know that I am working hard to make our communities and homes better for all Americans. I will keep you and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.”

Jayshawn was eager to share the letter with his friends at CPS.

“I brought it in to school to show it to my teacher, and she was excited,” he said. “And then I showed it to my class, and they all clapped.”

Along with the letter, written on stationary bearing the presidential seal, the package from Obama included a signed photograph, a booklet titled “A Day in the Life of Bo” (which is the Portuguese water dog that is the Obama family dog), an interview sheet with questions answered by the president, a second booklet, this one titled “Explore the White House Through the Arts” and a drawing featuring several rooms within the White House.

Jayshawn and his fellow fourth-graders will graduate from Chocowinity Primary School in June.