EDITOR'S NOTE: The Augusta Chronicle invited students to write letters to President-elect Obama detailing what they would like him to do as president. The newspaper received more than 400 entries. Selected letters are being printed in The Chronicle and posted online at augustachronicle.com/president.

Grand-prize winners in the elementary, middle and high school divisions will be published the week of Mr. Obama's inauguration. After his installation as the 44th president of the United States, the letters will be mailed to the White House.

Dear Mr. President,

As new president, I'm sure your very busy meeting people, especially presidents or other leaders from different countries. Don't forget about all your big promises! You still need to think about running our plants and factories on clean fuel, which when finished turns into clean air, but that's not what is so important.

What is important is peace with other countries. What I'm talking about is making peace with Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. It would make America look bold and strong, staying free and proud of it! It might polish up our bad times in history.

If we do not try to end the war, it could go on and on like the fight since Biblical times. Please Mr. President, make sure we are peaceful.

Abby McDonald

Fifth-grader, Sandersville Elementary School, Sandersville, Ga.

Dear President-elect Obama,

Watching your campaign, I truly believed you could bring change to our nation. I was so glad when you won because I felt a new era coming. But now you have to take action on the promises you made me and the rest of America.

You must unify the nation. Bring people of all different races and cultures together. Not only different minorities, but the people and its government ...

Remind the American people what it takes to be a great nation. Many Americans are not really in touch with their country they just think of it as a place to live in, but that's it. You have to show them that to be a great country you have to believe in every motto written, get involved in the community, support out troops and give time to make this country better.

To be a great president, you have to talk but also listen. Speak but also hear. Tell us what we have to do but also listen to us about what you should do. You need our support just like we need yours ...

Everyone knows our economy is in grave danger. As president, you will need to stop the cycle of debt, rebuild our country's infrastructure from relying on oil, and continue to improve our schools. Establish universal health care and raise the minimum wage. Americans are suffering and need you to help us out of this recession.

We need you now more than ever.

Running a country isn't easy, but we think you are capable, otherwise half the country wouldn't have voted for you. You are America's backbone... Please change Washington for the better.

Sincerely with love,

Janise Brown

Augusta