On Monday, June 23, 2014, this day-long event will feature remarks by the President, the First Lady, the Vice President, and Dr. Jill Biden, as they participate in a national conversation about how we can create 21st-century workplaces that work for all Americans.

Interested? Sign up for your chance to join other White House social media followers for the White House Summit on Working Families at WhiteHouse.gov/WH-Social-Working-Families. After you sign up, spread the word and tell your friends about the event by using the hashtag #WHSocial.

You should also read:

• A 21st Century Workplace for Today's Working Families
• A Conversation About Working Families' Issues With Labor Secretary Tom Perez
• The Changing Role of Fathers in the Workforce and Family

One of the greatest lessons I learned from my mom was about the importance of education. Neither she nor my father had gone to college, but they were determined to see me and my brother get a good education. So starting when I was young, my mom volunteered at my school, helping out in the front office and making sure my teachers were doing their jobs and my school was running like it should be.

My mom wasn't a teacher, or principal, or school board member, but she believed that our education was very much her business. And while I was occasionally mortified by her presence at my school, in retrospect, I have no doubt that my classmates and I got a better education because she was there, keeping an eye on things.

Today, we need more people like my mom – people who think the education of our young people is their business, because it is. In my work on this issue as First Lady, I'm constantly thinking about the example my mom set by ensuring I got a good education. I hope I can do the same for our next generation.

Thanks for inspiring me to #ReachHigher mom! Wishing you and all the wonderful moms out there a #HappyMothersDay. -mo pic.twitter.com/AOFJIcb17A

— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) May 11, 2014

Social guests joined lifelong educator Dr. Jill Biden, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Eric Waldo, Executive Director and Policy Advisor for the First Lady's Reach Higher initiative, Kumar Garg of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Joining Forces Deputy Director Rory Brosius for a roundtable discussion on educational excellence and student preparedness. 

Join us in recognizing our teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week with the hashtag #ThankATeacher -- and stay tuned for the next Social at WhiteHouse.gov/Social. 

Ed. note: This is cross-posted from the Let's Move! blog. See the original post here.

The Sochi 2014 Olympics may be over, but the Let's Move! Olympics are just getting started. And to mark National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we invited some of our nation's greatest athletes to participate.

Watch as members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, led by Bo and Sunny, take to the South Lawn of the White House for the Opening Ceremony of the Let's Move! Olympics and talk about the importance of healthy eating.

"It's night and day, the difference when you're eating the right foods versus the wrong foods," said Lauryn Williams, a Team USA bobsledder.

After proceeding up the South Lawn, Team USA members shared what vegetables they love to eat and how eating healthy helps them stay fit and ready to compete.

Calling all teachers!

On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, the White House will mark National Teacher Appreciation Week by inviting 20 educators from across the country to a special White House social for a conversation with Administration officials, including lifelong educator Dr. Jill Biden and Education Secretary Arne Duncan. The teachers will also take a tour of the White House and stop for a cup of tea with Dr. Biden.

Interested in being one of the 20 teachers? If you follow @DrBiden on Twitter, @VP on Instagram, @WhiteHouse on Instagram, or The White House on Pinterest, you could be. Teachers can apply right now at WH.gov/Social — registration closes at 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 29th.

Answering questions submitted via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden highlighted new tools for veterans, explained how Americans can get involved and help our heroes, and discussed why supporting our military families is such an important issue to them.

Q: Why is supporting our military families an important issue to you & Dr. Biden? – Monica Pope of Houston, TX

Q: Why is it so hard for a veteran to find employment? – Regina Graichen

Q: Wondering what kind of counseling, or what should children be told when loved ones are deployed to make them proud? – Deanna May of Stafford, MO

Q: Our Women’s Club loves to support our heroes/vets...what are the best ways? – Kathy DeBurra of Madison, CT

Q: How is #JoiningForces being brought together w/ efforts by @USICHgov @HUDgov & @DeptVetAffairs to end veteran homelessness? – Elisha Harig-Blaine 

Q: Joining the #Flotus in saying thanks to so many military families. I've been a Navy brat, Marine Corps spouse, and an active duty Air Force officer. This life is not easy by any means but so many families have chosen to make many of these sacrifices to defend our beautiful nation. – Kimberly Erskine of Montana

Watch on YouTube

Today, President Obama and the First Lady welcomed more than 30,000 guests to the White House South Lawn for the 136th annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

This year’s theme was “Hop into Healthy, Swing into Shape,” which promotes the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to help kids grow up healthy and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The day's activities included live music performances, activity centers, cooking stations, storytelling, and, of course, Easter egg rolling.

Check out some highlights from the Easter Egg Roll below:

On Monday, April 21, more than 30,000 guests will hop on down to the South Lawn of the White House for the 136th Easter Egg Roll. To celebrate, we've compiled the 10 most eggcellent Easter Egg Roll GIFs, because that's how we roll.

This year's Easter Egg Roll will include more GIF-able moments and all the fun will be live streamed on WhiteHouse.gov/EasterEggRoll — featuring appearances by Ariana Grande, Jim Carrey, Robert Griffin III, Debby Ryan from the Disney Channel’s JESSIE, and Cookie Monster. Tune in and follow along using the hashtag #EasterEggRoll.

Without further ado, here are the 10 most eggcellent moments from past Easter Egg Rolls — all scrambled up in no particular order.

1. That time Bo wore bunny ears

2. Playing H-O-R-S-E with the P-O-T-U-S

3. 30-Love

4. YOU get an egg, and YOU get an egg, and YOU get an egg!

5. That time 30,000 people were on the South Lawn like "NBD"

6. When everyone did the "Wild Rumpus" 

7. When we had a Kid POTUS

8. When Bo did an Easter egg hunt and was all like "Found it!"

9. Float like a butterfly, hop like a bunny.  

10. And we went "Hip hop hooray!"

These special tours are open and free to the public on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET and Sunday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET.

Interested in coming?

The National Park Service will distribute tickets to the public on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

While you are here be sure to share your visit with your social media followers with the hashtag #WHGarden.

Interested in learning more about the White House?

• Check out Let’s Move! For more information on how the Kitchen Garden got started and view our Garden Guides for starting your own Kitchen, School or Community garden.
• Go behind the scenes at the White House with the Google Art Project, a 360-degree street view camera that captures the rooms that are featured on the public tour.

For all the other ways to engage with the White House, visit WhiteHouse.gov/engage.

On Monday, April 21, 2014, the First Family will host the 136th annual White House Easter Egg Roll. This year’s theme is “Hop into Healthy, Swing into Shape,” and more than 30,000 people will assemble on the South Lawn to join in the fun. For our next White House Social, we are giving our followers of @LetsMove and @FLOTUS on Twitter, or @MichelleObama on Instagram, a chance to attend. 

Interested in attending the White House Easter Egg Roll? Sign up for your chance to join us and learn more about the history of the White House Easter Egg Roll at WhiteHouse.gov/EasterEggRoll. All applicants must have children ages 5 to 13. 

After you sign up, help spread the word! Let your followers know that you submitted your entry for the #EasterEggRoll Social.

Today, as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs Google+ Hangout to provide uninsured veterans, their family members, caregivers, and advocates information about health insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act, First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged uninsured veterans who are not eligible for coverage by the VA and their families to sign up for health care in advance of the March 31 deadline.

"The deadline for signing up is March 31st. So talk to your friends, your family, your neighbors … send them to the website right now, and keep on them until they sign up. Because all Americans deserve the security of knowing that you’ll have health care when you need it – especially families like yours who have already given so much to this country," said the First Lady.

The Affordable Care Act helps honor our commitment to veterans by strengthening affordable health care options for their families. "The last thing our veteran families need is the stress of worrying that one accident or illness could mean losing everything you’ve worked so hard for," said the First Lady. "But thanks to the Affordable Care Act, that weight is being lifted."

If you don't already have health insurance, as of today, there are just 17 days left to enroll in health care coverage at HealthCare.gov before open enrollment ends on March 31. At HealthCare.gov you can compare your options based on price, benefits, quality, and other features, and enroll in a plan that fits your needs and your budget.

Don't miss your chance to join the First Family for the 136^th annual White House Easter Egg Roll. The big event is on Monday, April 21 and more than 30,000 people will join in on the fun. Guests will have a chance to participate in activities including games, stories, singing, dancing, and of course, the traditional egg roll - all on the White House South Lawn.

This year's theme  "Hop into Healthy, Swing into Shape," encourages children to lead healthy, active lives in support of the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative. In addition to the fun and games, the day's activities will help educate families on smart ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise choices into their daily routines.

Starting today, you can enter the lottery at www.recreation.gov for a chance to join in on the fun. The event is open to children ages 13 years and younger and their families. Be sure to enter the lottery before it closes on Monday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. ET. 

Families and schools who can't make the trip to Washington, D.C. but want to participate in the festivities can enter the annual poster contest. The First Lady will select the winning design to be used as part of the White House 2014 Easter Egg Roll program.

The Easter Egg Roll tradition dates back to 1878 and the wooden White House Easter egg first became part of the Easter Egg Roll tradition in 1981, when President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan hosted a hunt for wooden eggs that bore the signatures of actors, actresses, famous politicians, and athletes. This year the 2014 souvenir eggs come in four bright colors and and include the stamped signatures of the President and First Lady. A commemorative purple "Bo and Sunny" egg is included only in the 2014 5-pack Collector's Egg Set. Visit Recreation.gov to learn more about the official White House keepsake eggs.

Make sure to stay tuned for additional information about the 2014 White House Easter Egg Roll by following along at #EasterEggRoll and visiting WhiteHouse.gov/EasterEggRoll.

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in the International Women of Courage Awards ceremony at the State Departmentin Washington, D.C., March 4, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

First Lady Michelle Obama joined Deputy Secretary of State Heather Higginbottom at the Department of State today to honor recipients of the International Women of Courage Award.

"This is the sixth time that I’ve had the pleasure of attending this event, and it is one of the highlights of my year because I always walk away feeling inspired by these women, determined to reflect their courage in my own life,” Mrs. Obama said. “And I know I’m not alone in that feeling because every day, with every life they touch and every spirit they raise, these women are creating ripples that stretch across the globe."

The award annually recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, often at great personal risk. Since the inception of the award in 2007, the Department of State has honored more than 70 women from 49 different countries.

"When we see these women raise their voices and move their feet and empower others to create change, we need to realize that each of us has that same power and that same obligation," the First Lady added. "...the idea that a girl in Dakar shares the same hopes and dreams as a girl from Fiji or Ukraine or the South Side of Chicago –- that reminds us that we’re never alone in our struggles."

Read the First Lady's full remarks to the International Women of Courage Award recipients.

Four years ago, the First Lady launched Let’s Move!, a nationwide initiative to create a healthier future for our kids and families. Last night, on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," she kicked off a week-long celebration to mark how far we’ve come:

"One of the things we’ve realized over four years is that there’s a new norm going on. When we took this issue over, there were a lot of people who were critical; that you couldn’t really talk about obesity, that it might not be an issue. But now, over the past four years, communities have been changing. So the day of a child’s life is different from beginning to end. Daycare centers are changing what they feed kids; they’re getting them up and moving. Schools have new lunch standards. After-school programs are getting kids engaged."

To mark the four-year anniversary, the First Lady is asking people of all ages to show her how they move through their everyday fitness routine, how they are making better food choices, or how they are helping move their community toward new standards of health for our kids. The First Lady even promised an exciting surprise: "The fun thing is, is that if we get enough of a response, we’ll have a little surprise: The President -- and maybe the Vice President -- will show us how they move."

During a skit with Will Ferrell and Jimmy Fallon, the First Lady also showed us how she moved and also made sure that everyone knew that both kale chips and exercise are definitely not "ew!"

Show us how you move and be sure to share it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Vine with the hashtag #LetsMove. From taking the stairs instead of the elevator to a plate full of veggies, we want to see how you move. Then make sure you stay tuned next week to see how President Obama and Vice President Biden get moving. 

On Friday, President Obama headed to California to tour drought-affected areas and talk to those affected by impacts of one of the state’s worst droughts in over 100 years. While there, President Obama announced new actions that the Administration will take to help the farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and communities being impacted.

President Obama laid out these Administration actions while touring fields from Joe and Maria Gloria Del Bosque's farm that will lay fallow this year because of the drought:

First, we’re accelerating $100 million of funds from the farm bill that I signed last week to help ranchers. For example, if their fields have dried up, this is going to help them feed their livestock.

Second, last week, we announced $20 million to help hard-hit communities, and today, we’re announcing up to $15 million more for California and other states that are in extreme drought.

Third, I’m directing the Interior Department to use its existing authorities, where appropriate, to give water contractors flexibility to meet their obligations. 

And fourth, I’m directing all federal facilities in California to take immediate steps to curb their water use, including a moratorium on water usage for new, non-essential landscaping projects.

President Barack Obama tours a field with farmer Joe Del Bosque, his wife Maria, and California Gov. Jerry Brown in Los Banos, Calif., Feb. 14, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Secretary Vilsack, who joined the President on Friday, has already declared 27 counties as primary natural disaster areas, making farmers and ranchers eligible for emergency loans. Over the past two weeks, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior have released new funds for conservation and irrigation; investments to upgrade water infrastructure; and have partnered with California to stretch the water supply as much as possible. In addition, last week as part of the Climate Action Plan that President Obama put forward last summer, the Department of Agriculture announced seven new “climate hubs” to help farmers and ranchers adapt their operations to a changing climate. 

California is experiencing some of its driest years in a century -- almost 99 percent of California is drier than normal. President Obama stated that:

Unless and until we do more to combat carbon pollution that causes climate change, this trend is going to get worse. And the hard truth is even if we do take action on climate change, carbon pollution has built up in our atmosphere for decades. The planet is slowly going to keep warming for a long time to come. So we’re going to have to stop looking at these disasters as something to wait for; we've got to start looking at these disasters as something to prepare for, to anticipate, to start building new infrastructure, to start having new plans, to recalibrate the baseline that we're working off of.

The view from Marine One en route to Firebaugh, Calif., February 14, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

That is why the budget President Obama will send to Congress next month will include $1 billion in new funding for new technologies to help communities prepare for a changing climate, and set up incentives to build smarter, more resilient infrastructure. 

But Administration action doesn't stop there. President Obama stated that: 

My administration will work with tech innovators and launch new challenges under our Climate Data Initiative, focused initially on rising sea levels and their impact on the coasts, but ultimately focused on how all these changes in weather patterns are going to have an impact up and down the United States -- not just on the coast but inland as well -- and how do we start preparing for that. And that has to be work that we do together.

Learn more about the Administration-wide response to the drought.

For your chance to attend a White House Social, make sure to follow the White House on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and Instagram and keep an eye out for upcoming events.

On Tuesday, February 11th, 2014, President Obama and the First Lady will welcome President François Hollande of France to the White House, where he will begin his visit with an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House -- a tradition that started during the Kennedy Administration to formally welcome a visiting head of state.

Sign up now for your chance to join other White House social media followers at the Official Visit.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, February 5th at 6:00 p.m. EST. You can also follow the social and join the conversation with the hashtag #WHSocial.

They've put together a memorable set of State of the Union images -- including behind-the-scenes moments from before and after the speech, President Obama greeting Members of Congress, and audience reactions from during the speech. Check out the gallery below, and visit our State of the Union page for more State of the Union related videos and content.

For nearly three decades, extraordinary Americans who exemplify the themes and ideals laid out in the State of the Union Address have been invited to join the First Lady in her viewing box. Learn more about the remarkable individuals who will join First Lady Michelle Obama for the 2014 State of the Union Address:

First Lady Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is the First Lady of the United States. Continuing a longstanding tradition, extraordinary Americans who exemplify the themes and ideals laid out in the President’s State of the Union Address attend the event as guests of the First Lady.

Dr. Jill Biden

Jill Biden is the wife of Vice President Biden. An educator and a proud Blue Star mom, Dr. Biden works to highlight the importance of community colleges, to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by military families, and to bring attention to women’s health issues.

Valerie Jarrett

Valerie B. Jarrett is a Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama. She is also the Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls and she oversees the Offices of Intergovernmental Affairs; Public Engagement; Urban Affairs; and Olympic, Paralympic, and Youth Sport.

Joey Hudy (Anthem, AZ)

“Maker” and Intel Intern
Joey Hudy is a self-described “Maker,” part of a growing community of young people, adults, and entrepreneurs who are designing and building things on their own time. Joey first shot to fame in 2012 when, at 14-years-old, he attended the White House Science Fair where the President took a turn using the contraption he had made -- the “extreme marshmallow cannon” – and launched a marshmallow across the East Room. Joey then handed the President a card with his credo: “Don’t be bored, make something.” Now 16, he has continued to live by his motto, appearing at Maker Faires all across the country. Joey, a proponent of STEM education, is determined to teach other kids about how they can make and do anything they want. Joey lives in Anthem, Arizona with his mom, dad, and older sister. Earlier this month, he started as Intel’s youngest intern, a position Intel CEO Brian Krzanich offered him on the spot at his Maker Faire exhibit.

Jason Collins (Los Angeles, CA)

12-Year NBA Player
While at Stanford, Jason Collins was selected as an All American, named the NCAA’s “Big Man of the Year,” and earned an appearance in the Final Four. After graduating in 2001, Collins was drafted into the NBA and has since played for six teams including the Celtics, whose then coach Doc Rivers said of Collins: “He’s the best. He literally is one of the best guys I’ve ever had in the locker room, player or coach.” In his 12 years in the league, Collins’ teams earned 9 trips to the playoffs including 2 NBA Finals appearances. In April 2013, Collins became the first male player in major American team sports to come out openly as gay. The President expressed his gratitude to Collins for his courageous announcement through an article Collins penned himself. The President said he “couldn’t be prouder” of Collins, recognizing this as a point of progress for the LGBT community, and one more step in America’s goal to treat everyone fairly and with respect. Collins is 35 and lives in Los Angeles, California.

Carlos Arredondo and Jeff Bauman (Boston, MA)

Survivors of the Boston Marathon Bombing
Carlos Arredondo and Jeff Bauman are forever linked due to the attacks on the 117th Boston Marathon. In what has become an iconic image from the day in April of 2013, Carlos – wearing his white Cowboy hat – was captured rushing a badly injured Jeff away from the bombing to safety, thereby becoming two of the faces of ‘Boston Strong.’ From his intensive care hospital bed, Jeff played a vital role in identifying the bombers. After losing both legs in the attack, he is battling back, describing himself as a quick healer and stronger now than he was before the attack. Jeff, 27, and Carlos, 53 and a Gold Star Father, have become close friends.

Gary Bird (Moore, OK)

Fire Chief
Fire Chief Gary Bird represents all of those who rallied together to help the community of Moore, Oklahoma – firefighters, police officers, teachers, neighbors – in its greatest time of need: The immediate aftermath of the EF5 tornado that hit Moore, killing 25 men, women and children and devastating a community of more than 1,000 homes and businesses. Bird and his search-and-rescue crews worked through the path of the storm to rescue survivors. “We will be through every damaged piece of property in this city at least three times before we're done, and we hope to be done by dark tonight,” Bird said in a press conference the evening the tornado hit. Bird began his career in 1981 as a volunteer firefighter in Ninnekah, Oklahoma. After four years as a volunteer, he was hired by the Moore Fire Department, working his way through the ranks. He was appointed Deputy Fire Chief in February 2003, a position he held until being named Fire Chief on June 30, 2012. Bird and his wife, Cindy, have been married for 34 years, and they have a son, two granddaughters, and a six-month-old grandson.

Kathy Hollowell-Makle (Washington, DC)

2013 DCPS Teacher of the Year
Kathy Hollowell-Makle was named 2013’s District of Columbia Public School’s Teacher of the Year after more than 15 years teaching in the District. Kathy began her career in AmeriCorps  as a Teach for America corps member in the District in 1998 and currently teaches at Abram Simon Elementary in Southeast Washington, DC. By the school year’s end, more than 90 percent of her students demonstrate early literacy at proficient or advanced levels and last year, more than 80 percent of her students advanced two or more reading levels. Kathy contributed some of her experience and expertise to a roundtable with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan regarding early childhood education. Kathy emphasizes a positive attitude and focuses on fluency in reading, writing and counting, explaining: “The best part of teaching is having former students recognize me, and being able to see how wonderful they turned out to be.” Kathy lives in Washington, DC with her husband Stephen and two sons Amir and Ian. She is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Cristian Avila (Phoenix, AZ)

DREAMer, “Core Faster” and Voter Engagement Coordinator, Mi Familia Vota
Cristian Avila, 23, was brought to the United States with his younger brother and sister when he was nine-years-old. Though Cristian became an All-American scholar by 7th grade and received a full scholarship to a private Jesuit high school, he was limited by his undocumented status. Last year he received temporary relief from deportation through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The 23-year-old Arizona resident started volunteering with Mi Familia Vota, a non-profit Latino civic engagement program, at the age of 16, and he was one of the core fasters in the Fast for Families demonstration late last year at the foot of the Capitol, which the President, Vice President, First Lady and Cabinet and Administration officials visited. After 22 days, he passed on the fast to others but has continued to push Congress to take up comprehensive immigration reform. Cristian is fighting for commonsense immigration reform so he can one day join the US Marine Corps and serve our country in uniform.

Mary Barra (Detroit, MI)

Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Company
Mary Barra was named Chief Executive Officer of General Motors effective January 15, 2014. In this role, she leads the company’s overall efforts to strengthen GM globally as an industry leader in automotive design and technology, product quality, customer care and business results. She is also a member of the GM Board of Directors and the first female CEO in the company’s history. Barra began her career with GM in 1980 as a General Motors Institute (Kettering University) co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. In 1990, Barra graduated with a master of business administration degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business after receiving a GM fellowship in 1988. Barra has held a number of positions with GM, most recently as executive Vice President, Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply chain – in this role she was responsible for the design, engineering, program management, and quality of GM vehicles around the world. In 2013, Fortune Magazine named Barra one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and Forbes Magazine names her one of the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.” Barra lives in the Detroit area with her husband, Tony, and their two children.

Governor Steve Beshear (D-KY)

After serving three terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives, and as Kentucky’s Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor, Steve Beshear was elected Governor in 2007. Governor Beshear has worked closely with the Obama Administration to provide affordable health care to the people of Kentucky. In his second term, the Governor extended access to affordable health care coverage to hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians by expanding Medicaid and setting up a new health insurance Marketplace, “Kynect.” If the remaining states that haven’t expanded Medicaid coverage did so like Kentucky, about 5.4 million uninsured Americans would gain access to health insurance coverage by 2016. Governor Beshear is a native of Dawson Springs in Hopkins County, in western Kentucky. He holds a bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Kentucky and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He and his wife, Jane, have been married since 1969. They have two sons and three grandchildren.

Tyrone Davis (Winston-Salem, NC)

Fellow with the Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate Corps
Tyrone Davis, from Winston-Salem, NC, has been legally blind since the age of nine. Despite his vision loss, he ran cross-country and track in high school, and received a political science degree and Masters of Public Administration from North Carolina State University. He developed an interest in environmental issues during his time as an undergraduate, which led to a fellowship with the Environmental Defense Fund in 2010, placing him at Elizabeth City State University, a historically black university. His recommendations showed the school how to achieve savings of more than $31,000 a year, resulting in nearly 200 metric tons of carbon emissions reductions annually. Tyrone’s father owns and operates a small office cleaning service, while his mother is a cost clerk for the county’s school transportation department. He has one younger brother currently attending North Carolina A&T State University. Now in his third year at Elon University School of Law, Tyrone hopes to use his skills to benefit the environment and make communities safer.

Vice Admiral Michelle Howard (Washington, DC)

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans & Strategy
This year, Vice Admiral Michelle Howard will become the first female four-star Admiral in the 238-year-history of the United States Navy, and the first African-American female to achieve four-star rank in the history of the military. She was nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate in December. Howard’s initial sea tours were aboard USS Hunley (AS 31) and USS Lexington (AVT 16). While serving on board Lexington, she received the secretary of the Navy/Navy League Captain Winifred Collins award in May 1987. This award is given to one woman officer a year for outstanding leadership. She took command of USS Rushmore (LSD 47) on March 12, 1999, becoming the first African American woman to command a ship in the U.S. Navy. In 2010, she was the Maritime Task Force commander for BALTOPS, under 6th Fleet. Her shore assignments include: J-3, Global Operations, Readiness and Executive Assistant to the Joint Staff director of Operations; Deputy Director N3 on the OPNAV staff; Deputy Director, Expeditionary Warfare Division, OPNAV staff; Senior Military Assistant to the secretary of the Navy; Chief of Staff to the director for Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5, Joint Staff, and Deputy Commander, US Fleet Forces Command. Vice Admiral Howard is a 1978 graduate of Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982 and from the Army’s Command and General Staff College in 1998, with a Masters in Military Arts and Sciences.

Sabrina Simone Jenkins (Charleston, SC)

Sabrina Simone Jenkins – through obstacle after obstacle – has persevered in getting herself educated, determined to make a better life for herself and her family. Sabrina is a single mother to her teenage daughter Kenya. After serving in the Air Force, Sabrina took classes at DeVry University while working full time, graduating with a 3.7 GPA at the age of 42 – all while caring for ailing family members and becoming seriously ill herself. Sabrina then earned her master’s degree in human resources in 2012. Sabrina is currently saddled with nearly $90,000 in student loan debt, something that will only worsen as she pays for Kenya to go to college. Sabrina’s remarkable resolve through incredibly difficult circumstances brought her to the attention of The Shriver Report, which seeks to highlight the 1 in 3 American women living on the brink of poverty. The President is determined to help people like Sabrina – Americans who are working hard and doing the right things – get ahead.

Mayor Ed Lee (San Francisco, CA)

Mayor Edwin M. Lee is the son of Chinese immigrants and the first Asian-American Mayor of San Francisco, a position he’s held for more than three years. He previously served as San Francisco’s City Administrator and Director of the Department of Public Works. In 2013, he hosted a series of town halls to mobilize the Silicon Valley business community in support of immigration reform. Mayor Lee is also working on a proposal to significantly increase San Francisco’s minimum wage. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Education awarded a five-year, up to $30 million Promise Neighborhoods implementation grant to support school improvement and revitalize the Mission neighborhood in San Francisco. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Mayor Lee graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in 1974 and Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley in 1978. He and his wife, Anita, have two daughters, Brianna and Tania.

Andra Rush (Detroit, MI)

Founder and Chairperson, The Rush Group, Detroit Manufacturing Systems
Andra Rush is a descendant of the Mohawk Tribe from the Six-Nation Reservation, and the founder and chairperson of the Rush Group family of companies, which include Rush Trucking, Dakkota Integrated Systems, and Detroit Manufacturing Systems. This consortium of manufacturing, trucking, assembly, and distribution is one of the largest Native American-owned businesses in the country. Rush started her first company, Rush Trucking, in 1984 with only three trucks and successfully grew the company to include 800 tractors and 1,350 trailers. In 2012, Ms. Rush launched Detroit Manufacturing Systems Ltd., LLC (DMS), a joint venture between Rush Group Ltd, LLC and Faurecia. DMS manufactures and assembles automotive interior components in the City of Detroit and grew to more than 600 employees in its first year of operations, the largest new manufacturing employer in the City of Detroit in decades. The company’s first customer was the Ford Motor Company, building interior components for the Mustang and F-150 pickup truck. In 2012, she was appointed to the U.S. Manufacturing Council, which is the principal private-sector advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on manufacturing matters. She was also appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to serve as a trustee for Michigan’s Children’s Trust Fund. Ms. Rush has a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (1982) from the University of Michigan. She has three sons.

Amanda Shelley (Gilbert, AZ)

Physician Assistant
For years, Amanda Shelley, a 37-year-old physician assistant from Gilbert, Arizona, was unable to get insurance due to a pre-existing condition. That all changed on January 1, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Two days later, Amanda began having severe pain in her abdomen, which at first she ignored – something she was used to doing because she was previously uninsured. The next day, when the pain became too much to bear, she went to the emergency room and eventually had emergency abdominal surgery. Amanda is one of millions of Americans who now knows the security that comes with quality, affordable health insurance.

Antoinette Tuff (Atlanta, GA)

DeKalb County Bookkeeper
On August 20, 2013, the world learned of the compassion and heroism of Antoinette Tuff, the DeKalb County bookkeeper who prevented a shooting at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, an elementary school in the suburbs of Atlanta. Tuff, a mother of one daughter and one son, talked the would-be shooter down, sharing her personal struggles, discussing love and doing her best to connect with him until he surrendered before harming anyone. Now, instead of being known for another tragic school shooting, August 20, 2013 is remembered for one woman’s grace under pressure. The President called Tuff after the ordeal and has said what she did was “remarkable.” Antoinette has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal for civilian heroism.

Misty DeMars (Oak Park, IL)

Misty DeMars lives in Oak Park, Illinois with her husband and two young sons. At the end of May, 2013 -- just a week after purchasing the home they intended to raise their family in -- Misty lost her job of eight years due to budget cuts. Misty, who had been steadily employed since high school and who put herself through college, wrote to the President upon the expiration of her emergency unemployment insurance, explaining: "We stand to lose everything we've worked for years to build in the matter of months." Misty is one of millions who is left with limited resources, difficult decisions and an uncertain future as she looks for work without the crucial economic lifeline of emergency unemployment insurance.

Peter Mouskondis (Salt Lake City, UT)

President and CEO, Nicholas & Company, Inc.
Peter Mouskondis is the CEO and President of Nicholas & Company, Inc., a third generation family-owned and operated broadline foodservice distribution company, employing roughly 500 people. Nicholas & Company is known for its culture of mutual respect and care among and for its employees, emphasizing work-life balance and benefits, including maternity, paternity, and bereavement leave, among others. The atmosphere that Peter and the leaders at Nicholas & Company have developed is paying off -- the workforce is more productive and the company is expanding. Peter says "Our success at Nicholas & Company is directly related to our family-friendly approach and the work of my grandmother, mother, and wife in making work-life balance an essential part of our culture." Nicholas & Company has been honored with many awards under Peter's leadership including: the Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility, 2013; the Utah Department of Work Force Services Work/Life Award Legacy, 2001-2012; and the Utah Business Magazine, Best Companies to Work For, 2005, 2011, 2013.

Cory Remsburg and Craig Remsburg (Phoenix, AZ)

US Army Ranger Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg has met President Obama on three separate occasions -- once overseas and twice since a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan on his 10th deployment left him in a coma for three months, partially paralyzed and brain-damaged. He currently endures six hours of occupational, physical and speech therapy per day, and his father, Craig, along with Cory's step-mom Annie, is the caretaker by Cory's side as he continues his recovery. Craig is the Vice President of Human Resources for Telgian Corporation and a retired US Air Force Reserve firefighter. A native of Arizona, Sergeant First Class Remsburg joined the Army on his 18th birthday after Craig refused to sign the papers for the 17-year-old Cory to join on his own. Sergeant First Class Remsburg says "I won't give up." Sergeant First Class Remsburg has been awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Estiven Rodriguez (New York, NY)

Student, Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School
Estiven Rodriguez is the son a Dominican immigrant and arrived in the United States when he was nine years old, speaking no English. When he entered Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS) in the sixth grade, he still spoke and understood very limited English. Now a high school senior, Estiven is one of the top students in his class and will attend Dickinson College in the fall on a Posse Foundation Scholarship, making him a first-generation college student. "At only 16, 17 years old, he, in many ways, embodies the spirit of a life-long learner. He is a model student," said Erick Espin, Estiven's 11th grade United States history teacher. Outside of his academic studies, Estiven is also a member of the school's math club, and soccer and track teams. Earlier this month, Estiven attended an event at the White House on expanding college opportunity. His story underscores the importance of the President's goal to give all kids a chance to get ahead, regardless of the circumstances of their birth.

John Soranno (St. Paul, MN)

CEO, Punch Pizza
As a child growing up in Milan, Italy, John Soranno fell in love with pizza. He hung out at a local pizzeria and dreamed of one day opening his own. After moving to the United States to finish his schooling, John founded Punch Pizza in Minnesota in 1996 and is currently co-owner with John Puckett, with whom he partnered in 2001. The company has expanded to eight locations in Minnesota. John and John are determined to grow a strong company built to last over the long term. To do so, they're focused not only on how they treat their customers, but also on how they treat their employees. So last year, John and John raised the company-wide minimum wage to $10 to demonstrate how much they value their workers, and it's been a good business move, too -- the company is set to open a ninth store this summer.

Nick Chute (Minneapolis, MN)

Kitchen Worker, Punch Pizza
A year and a half ago, Nick Chute started working at Punch Pizza as a cashier to help pay for school and rent. In December, Nick graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in philosophy. He is still with Punch Pizza, currently working as a "pizzaioli in training," learning to cook pizzas in the traditional Neapolitan style -- in an 800 degree wood-fired oven in under 90 seconds. Punch Pizza's decision to raise their company-wide minimum wage benefitted Nick, who said "I appreciate it, and it makes me feel like a bigger part of the company." After becoming a certified pizzaioli, Nick hopes to move into a management position at Punch Pizza.

Here’s how to stay updated, and learn more about the 2014 State of the Union: 

• WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU: Check out WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU for an enhanced viewing experience of President Obama's State of the Union address.
• Get email updates: Sign up and make sure you’re among the first to get exclusive content before and after the speech
• Follow us on Twitter: Make sure you’re following @WhiteHouse on Twitter for news and real-time updates before, during and after the address.

On Tuesday, January 28th at 9:00 p.m. ET, President Obama will deliver his annual State of the Union Address to the nation. Once again, we will live stream an enhanced version of the speech featuring graphics, data and stats that highlight the issues the President will lay out for the upcoming year. You can also watch that broadcast on Facebook, YouTube and our Google+ page. But the speech is just the beginning…

Immediately following the address, we’ll stream a live “Open for Questions” event from the White House on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU. You'll have the chance to ask your questions and hear from a panel of senior White House advisors. You can post questions now, and during the speech on Twitter, Vine, Instagram, Google+ and Facebook using the hashtag #SOTUChat. We'll also answer questions from an in-person audience of White House Social participants.

Here's the full line up:

• Josh Earnest, Principal Deputy Press Secretary (@JEarnest44)
• Roberto Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the President for Education Policy
• Betsey Stevenson, member of President Obama's Council of Economic Advisors (@CEABetsey)
• Dan Utech, Director for Energy and Climate Change (@Utech44)
• Christen Young, Domestic Policy Council
• Marlon Marshall, Principal Deputy Director of Public Engagement

We hope you can join us!

Learn More:

• Get email updates: Sign up and make sure you’re among the first to get exclusive content before and after the speech
• Follow us on Twitter: Make sure you’re following @WhiteHouse on Twitter for news and real-time updates before, during and after the address.
• WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU: WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU is your number one resource for all things State of the Union.

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks prior to a screening of the movie "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete," and a discussion in the State Dining Room of the White House Jan. 15, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Yesterday, to support the President’s “North Star” Goal -- that by 2020, Americans will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world -- First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a discussion with education stakeholders about the challenges and best practices regarding education access in underserved communities. As part of the event, guests participated in a screening of The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, a coming of age story about two inner-city youth that display grit, resilience, courage even in the most hopeless circumstances. The movie's executive producer Alicia Keys opened up the event by talking about how she was personally inspired by the script. The First Lady then thanked the educators participating in the event for engaging on this issue: 

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to participate in this screening and this discussion, and for the work that you're doing to move our kids forward and basically keep our country thriving and on top. And again, there's a reason why I invited you all here. We did this because for many of you, this movie isn’t just a powerful story of -- or a great piece of art.  For so many of you, it’s the reality you see every day in your classrooms and in your communities.

The First Lady then spoke about her commitment to engaging with young people and encourage them to take a active role in their education so that they can create a better future for themselves and their country. 

I’m going to tell them that they have everything they need to succeed already. It’s all in there, but they still have to be committed to getting their educations. I’m going to be making a special effort, obviously, to reach kids like Mister and Pete, who face such overwhelming obstacles in their lives. And as you all know, too often these kids view their difficult life experiences as weaknesses. They view what they go through as a source of embarrassment and shame sometimes.  But as we all know, it’s really just the opposite, and it’s important for them to understand that.

On Tuesday, January 28th, President Obama will deliver his fifth State of the Union Address from the Capitol. Here at the White House, we’ll be hosting our third State of the Union Social event. This event is part of a series of "White House Socials" that invite our social media followers to join in-person events, engage with administration officials, and share their experience with their friends. Use the hashtag #SOTUSocial to discuss the event online, and help get the word out.

This event is an opportunity for our followers on social media to watch President Obama’s State of the Union Address live from the White House, and then participate in a panel with senior staff to discuss the vision and policies laid out in the speech. 

Interested in joining? You can apply right now at WH.gov/Social-Apply today. After you sign up, tell your friends about the event using the hashtag #SOTUSocial. Please note, registration closes at 6:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16th.

If you plan on watching from home, we will be streaming an enhanced version of the speech on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU that features graphics, data and charts that help explain policies and the issues. You can also tune in live on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and through our mobile apps. 

Learn more about the State of the Union:

• Inside the process of making a State of the Union Address
• Watch the enhanced version of the 2013 State of the Union Address
• Photo Gallery: Scenes from the 2013 State of the Union

First Lady Michelle Obama collects toys from military children during a Toys for Tots event at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Distribution Center in Washington, D.C., Dec. 19, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. to deliver hundreds of toys that Executive Office of the President staff donated to the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign, an annual holiday toy drive. After delivering the toys, she thanked volunteers for their hard work and dedication this holiday season:

I want to thank all of you and all of the volunteers and donors for Toys for Tots running year after year. One thing I always say is that I don’t know if people realize everything it takes to make this happen -- the thousands of hours that go into making this drive possible.

Mrs. Obama also thanked military families for all they do throughout the year, while still finding time to run programs like Toys for Tots.  

Most people don’t understand that you do all of this service on top of all of the challenges that you face as servicemembers and as military families. And that’s the example that I think the rest of the country needs to see -- that even in the midst of your challenges, you find a way to give back to those less fortunate. 

And that’s what makes me proud. That’s what makes me want to step up and do whatever I can to support this effort and to support you all as men and women, and as young men and women -- young heroes, our military kids, who do so much sacrificing. And I really don’t know how you all do it....But I am grateful that you are who you are, and that you make those sacrifices. 
 

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in the sorting of toys during a Toys for Tots service project at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Toys for Tots Distribution Center in Washington, D.C., December 19, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

She then encouraged everyone to do his or her part, no matter how big or small:

I just want to make sure that…people know that Toys for Tots is still looking for donations.  We are -- these folks work until the bitter end. And if you want to donate, you can go to the Toys for Tots website, you can donate online. Or you can look up the nearest location in your community online, and just use the drop-off method.

 For more information:

• Read more about this year's holiday theme, which pays tribute to our troops, veterans, and their families.
• Find out where you can donate locally to Toys for Tots
• Learn more about Joining Forces, the First Lady's initiative with Dr. Jill Biden to support veterans and military families.

President Obama is committed to making this the most open and participatory administration in history. White House Social events are just one of the ways we are opening the doors to the White House to people who engage with us on social media.

Social guests joined White House Chief Floral Designer Laura Dowling for a craft project, learned about the making of the White House Gingerbread house with Executive Pastry Chef William Yosses and talked to Joining Forces Executive Director Rich Morales and Deputy Director Rory Brosius. Throughout the day, they shared photos and updates with their social media followers using the hashtag #WHHoliday. See what they shared below.

For additional White House Holiday related content and craft projects go to WH.gov/Holidays. 

Stay tuned, as we will be sure to post updates about the next Social event on WhiteHouse.gov/Social and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @WhiteHouse, on Instagram at Instagram.com/Whitehouse and on Pinterest.

First Lady Michelle Obama stopped by the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. to read one of her favorite Christmas tales and to spread some holiday cheer. First Dogs Bo and Sunny came along to help the First Lady greet the children and their families.

As in years past, the First Lady read the classic “’Twas the Night before Christmas.” When she was done, she answered the children’s questions on topics ranging from whether Bo and Sunny like snow to what she is getting the President for Christmas to the best Christmas gift she ever received:

I have to say, coming to see you guys at the hospital and coming to visit the kids who can’t come downstairs, and then hanging out with you guys...this is a good gift for me. This right here, this is a great gift.

Before First Lady Michelle Obama, Bo and Sunny left the Children’s National Medical Center the First Lady offered one last piece of advice to the children:

Be good, even after Christmas is over. Be good, eat your vegetables. Listen to your parents. Did you hear that one? Listen to your parents. Study. Work hard in school, okay?  Everything you want to be in life starts with getting a good education, and that’s the secret to success, okay? And know that the President and I, that we love you guys and we’re very proud of you, okay?  

First Lady Michelle Obama, with Obama family pets, Bo and Sunny, greets children during a Christmas holiday program at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

For additional White House Holiday related content go to WH.gov/Holidays. Holiday-related content from the White House will be tagged #WHHoliday.

On Monday, December 16th 2013 we are inviting Pinners, Instgramers and White House Twitter followers from near and far to take in the 2013 holiday decorations and learn about how it all came together. Guests will join us for a craft project, meet with the people that helped transform the White House this holiday season - and share it all with their social media followers with the hashtag #WHHoliday.

Interested in joining? Sign up for your chance to join other White House social media followers at the #WHHoliday social.

In order to apply you must follow an official White House Twitter, Pinterestor Instagram account. After you sign up, spread the word! Let your followers know that you applied to attend the #WHHoliday social.

White House holiday crafts, tour booklet and information can be found at WH.gov/Holidays. 

First Lady Michelle Obama and children of military families participate in a craft project in the State Dining Room during the White House holiday press preview, Dec. 4, 2013. Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses helps children decorate Springerle cookie ornaments. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama previewed the 2013 White House holiday décor to a crowd of military families who were the first of more than 70,000 anticipated visitors this holiday season. Mrs. Obama announced this year's theme, Gather Around: Stories of the Season, a celebration of the stories and traditions that bring us together this special time of year. “Our goal is for every room and every tree to tell a story about who we are and how we gather around one another to mark the holidays,” she said. The custom of selecting an official holiday theme began in the 1960s when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy created a nutcracker-themed Christmas for her daughter Caroline.

The 2013 décor embraces beloved White House traditions. By using thoughtful hand-made volunteer crafts and recycled classic pieces, the Gather Around decorations and 24 trees throughout the residence all tell a story. Special art displays and Christmas trees made from repurposed books help this year’s theme come alive. In total, more than 450 repurposed books were used as part of the holiday décor (they will be donated to a local school’s book drive following the holiday season). Today, military children that attended the event had the opportunity to make crafts including – a fruit wreath and a Bo-quet paper poinsettia.

This year, two of the rooms honor our military families, a tradition started by Mrs. Obama, whose Joining Forces initiative seeks to honor and support those who sacrifice so much for our freedom.

“When visitors arrive, the very first thing they’ll see is a tree decorated to pay tribute to our Armed Forces," she said. "This tree, graced with special Gold Star ornaments, tells the story of some of our greatest heroes: Those who gave their lives for our country. And any Gold Star family who visits the White House can create their own ornament to honor their loved one.”

The Blue Room also honors our military families. It holds the Official White House Christmas Tree, presented from the National Christmas Tree Association standing at 18 1⁄2 feet high and nearly 11 feet wide. According to the First Lady, the Blue Room tree is “dedicated to the idea of gathering around our military. The tree in that room is decorated with holiday greeting cards drawn by military children from bases all across the country as a way to celebrate their parents’ service.”

First Lady Michelle Obama asks us all to “find a way to honor these great Americans, not just during the holidays, but every day. And let us never forget the debt that we owe these men and women and their amazing families.”  (You can share your message of thanks through the USO here)
 

First Lady Michelle Obama and children of military families greet Obama family pet Sunny in the State Dining Room during the White House holiday press preview, Dec. 4, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Other traditions that continue include the annual representation of the White House in pastry form. This year, the White House Gingerbread House sits upon a gingerbread fireplace constructed with more than 1,200 Springerle cookies. Nearly 300 pounds of dough were used to make the completely edible replica. Check out the recipes for both edible and decorative Springerle cookies.

First Dog Bo Obama also made a return, but this year brought along his pal Sunny Obama. A high-fiving Bo and a playful Sunny came to life as ribbon topiaries made from approximately 1,000 yards of ribbon.

Of course, none of this would be possible if not for the volunteers who take time out of their busy lives and come from all parts of the country to help decorate the White House. This year more than 83 volunteers (16 of whom served in the military or are a part of a military family) representing 33 states and the District of Columbia worked tirelessly to transform the People’s House.

For additional information, including the 2013 Holiday Tour Book and instructions on the crafts that military children created today, go to WH.gov/Holidays. Holiday-related content from the White House will be tagged #WHHoliday.

First Lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia, along with Obama family pets Bo and Sunny, welcome the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree at the North Portico of the White House, Nov. 29, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed the delivery of the Official White House Christmas Tree. The tree, a 18 1/2-foot high and nearly 11 foot wide Douglas Fir arrived in a horse-drawn carriage.

Members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room each year since 1966.  This year, the tree will be presented to the First Lady by the Botek family, growers of this year’s tree, and the Wyckoff family, winners of the National Christmas Tree Association’s National Christmas Tree contest. The Boteks are second-generation Christmas Tree farmers from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, PA, and the Wyckoff farm has been family owned for six generations -- since 1839. This year, four trees from the farm will be featured throughout the White House during the holiday season.

The official White House Christmas Tree will be displayed in the heart of the White House: the Blue Room. As in many years past, the tree will be decorated in honor of military families.  

Learn more about past White House Holidays and stay tuned for more information about this years White House holiday décor. 

On Wednesday, December 4, 2013 the White House will host a Youth Summit, offering young people from around the country an opportunity to discuss the Affordable Care Act and other issues with senior White House officials. White House Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ followers ages 18-35 are eligible to apply to attend this White House event on December 4.

Interested in joining? Sign up for your chance to join other White House social media followers at the #WHYouth social. In order to apply you must follow an official White House Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Instagram account. After you sign up, spread the word! Let your followers know that you applied to attend the #WHYouth social

Sign-up to get email updates for Young Americans from the Office of Public Engagement. 

Today, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off the resumption of East Wing and Executive Residence tours by surprising White House tour guests in the Blue Room.

Followers of the First Lady's Twitter and Instagram accounts were given the first heads up that something special was about to happen:

The President and First Lady welcomed guests with handshakes and hugs. Bo and Sunny made an appearance and guests of all ages affectionately patted and pet the pups.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet visitors in the Blue Room during a White House tour, Nov. 5, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Planning a visit to Washington, DC? Those interested in scheduling a tour of the East Wing and Executive Residence should contact their Member of Congress. Learn about the resumption of public East Wing and Executive Residence tours here.

Not able to visit? The Obama administration believes that experiencing the White House shouldn't be limited to those who are able to visit in person. Check out all of the ways we offer virtual visitors unprecedented access to the People’s House, and then find out how to stay engaged with all that is happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

First Lady Michelle Obama, with Obama family pet Bo, greets visitors in the Blue Room during a White House tour, Nov. 5, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) November 5, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

TAKE AN INTERACTIVE TOUR

Learn about the White House grounds and many of the historic rooms inside the People’s House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

THE GOOGLE ART PROJECT AT THE WHITE HOUSE

We have partnered with the Google Art Project and allowed their 360 Street View cameras to capture the rooms that are featured on the public tour.

INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE VIDEO SERIES

Check out behind thescenes of some of the everyday -- and not-so-every-day -- activities that take place at the White House.

ENGAGE AND CONNECT

Check out the ways you can engage with your government on the issues that matter to you.

• Follow the @WhiteHouse and @FLOTUS Michelle Obama on Twitter
• Visit the White House on Tumblr
• Follow @WhiteHouse and @Michelle Obama on Instagram