Kindergartner with Alabama ties takes her seat at the White House

For one Alabama family now living in the nation’s capital, a whirlwind week brought their small-town values to the national spotlight—when 6-year-old Andi Sofia Doufexis found herself seated behind the President of the United States during a historic White House ceremony.

It all started with a phone call.

Earlier that week, Andi’s principal contacted her mother, Ashley Doufexis, with unexpected news: President Donald Trump was set to sign an executive order on education, and Andi had been selected as one of three students from her Washington, D.C. school to attend the ceremony at the White House. The students were chosen for their top scores in history—an impressive achievement for kindergartners.

Although the Doufexis family now resides in Washington, they are originally from Rainsville, Alabama, where their deep ties to the community and public service began. They moved to D.C. a few years ago for Jordan Doufexis’s work in politics.

As the event drew near, Ashley and Andi were exploring the White House—walking through historic rooms, listening to live music, and taking in the once-in-a-lifetime experience. At one point, a staff member stepped out from the green room and asked for two children to fill seats at desks behind the President for the signing. Andi and her classmate Liam happened to be nearby and were invited in.

“We were at the right place at the right time,” Ashley said.

Andi became one of 16 children seated at desks behind President Trump during the executive order signing. The children had been prepped to pick up their pens and mimic signing a mock order when the President signed his.

Just before the signing, President Trump looked at the children and asked, “Do you think I should do this?” He looked directly at Andi, and she nodded, “Yes.” This was a brief but unforgettable moment of interaction

Later, Andi was just as thrilled to realize she had appeared on live television.

“She said, ‘Oh my goodness, I was on TV!’” Ashley shared. “She didn’t know everyone had already seen her.”

Ashley described Andi as giddy, excited, and a little nervous throughout the experience, smiling and stealing glances at her mom from across the room.

“I told her, it might be a long speech, it might get a little boring, but you just smile and enjoy the experience—it’s an honor to be there,” she said.

Although the Doufexis family now calls Washington, D.C. home, their hearts are still tied to Sand Mountain. Jordan Doufexis, Andi’s father and a Rainsville native, currently serves as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. The values instilled in their Alabama upbringing continue to guide their lives in the capital.

Ashley shared that their children are raised to honor those in leadership—presidents, governors, military members—and understand the responsibility that comes with those roles. She reminded Andi before the event how rare and special the opportunity was, telling her, “You have no idea what you’re getting to do. You’ll look back when you’re older and realize how big of a deal this is.”

From her desk at the White House to living rooms across the country via national television, Andi Sofia Doufexis experienced a moment few kindergartners ever do—and carried a piece of Alabama with her every step of the way.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].