Ray High School Alumnus Rhett Wilson visited with students Ray Unified School district. Wilson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at the White House Historical Association in Washington D.C. Wilson is a 1997 graduate of Ray High School and served on the Kearny Town Council in 1998 and ran for Mayor in the first direct election for Mayor in Kearny in 2000.
During his presentation to the students, he shared that he did not work directly for any President or First Lady, but their role at the White House Historical Association was to preserve the history of the White House. He shared with the students about Kearny’s history and how Kearny was named after General Kearny who camped near Mineral Creek/Kelvin/Riverside area during the war with Mexico. He explained to the students that President Polk, promised the American people, that if he was elected he would claim the west from Mexico.
He showed a video showcasing photos of the White House and how many of the spaces of the White House are used ceremonially, but is still a place for the leader of the free world to work and conduct the business of the country. The White House is 55,000 square feet in comparison to Buckingham Palace in London which is 850,000 square feet. He explained to the students that voting is important, we have a unique government that is governed by the people.
He also brought a few items of specific White House history including a brick that was recovered during a construction project of the White House, that was one of the original bricks from the first White House that was burned by the British during the War of 1812. There are still some remnants of the fire. He also brought a letter written by President George Washington regarding his distillery business and list he wrote of supplies he needed. The students are Ray Unified were able to see these historical artifacts including replica of rugs that are in the White House.
Wilson shared a variety of unique facts about the White House and the role he plays in helping to preserve the history of the White House. He has worked with three Presidential administrations: President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. He also works with former President George W. Bush and the families of other former presidents to develop projects to continue to preserve the White House history.
Wilson also shared with the students that it is important to learn and understand history, vote and to always keep trying to achieve your dreams.