DETROIT -- A Detroit public schools student, who sent a letter to President George W. Bush at the White House has a very prized possession, a letter he got back from the president.

It was part of a class project at the A.L. Holmes school to write someone who has made a difference or influenced peoples' lives.

Some students wrote to the Detroit city council, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, and their school principal, but Deiontay Watkins wrote Bush.

The letter arrived Monday at school, addressed to Watkins with the White House as the return address, letter, and a picture inside.

Watkins started his letter to the president with a question about why he's sending so many young people to war.

The president didn't specifically answer the question, but Deiontay is still thrilled with the written response.

He says he didn't think he would get a response and was pleasantly surprised.

The president wrote back saying he appreciated his thoughts, and encouraging him to study hard and learn something new every day.

Deiontay's mother plans to frame the letter and put it on display at home.

He said the letter has inspired him, and he may write more letters to officials to see what response he gets.

Deiontay said he wants to become a writer or a doctor.