Local Middle Schooler Challenges First Lady on Obesity

Lauren Shatanof won a competition to ask First Lady Michelle Obama a question

It wasn't quite stump the Schwab, but Weston middle schooler Lauren Shatanof's pointed question on childhood obesity was likely the toughest question First Lady Michelle Obama faced during a "class hall" meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking from her 8th grade classroom at Falcon Cove Middle School, Shanatof challenged the First Lady on what she would do to make sure the nation's obesity problem was a priority in America.

"Mrs. Obama, my question is: A country facing challenging economic times, with limited resources to address childhood obesity, what measures will you take to ensure that this problem is prioritized?" Shanatof asked via a phone line.

The "Let's Move" Town Hall event was broadcast on C-SPAN and is part of Mrs. Obama's initiative to improve awareness about childhood obesity. The hour-long question and answer session between Obama and middle school students also touched on possible changes in public schools and physical fitness. 

Shatanof's thoughtful and direct question appeared to be much appreciated by Obama, who is used to grown up reporters asking more about where she shopped than what her real goals were in the White House.

"A lot of times when I do something, a lot of cameras show up and people tend to watch and write about it. Sometimes they write about more than what I’m wearing," Obama said. "So I think it’s my job to help shine the light on things that are already working. So that’s one of the reasons why I chose this as my initiative."

Shatanof won the privilege of asking a question to the First Lady after submitting a video in the Student Cam 2010 international competition that addressed the question, "What problem or issue do you think is most important?"

Her documentary, "America’s Biggest Challenge: Obesity," finished fourth.

Contact Us