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Intern Picks: Must-See White House Videos of 2011

Summary: 
After much debate, the interns in the White House Office of Digital Strategy decided on their 10 must-see White House videos of 2011.

All week, we've been sharing some highlights from 2011. Now it's time for another special list.

After much debate, the interns in the White House Office of Digital Strategy have decided on their 10 must-see videos of 2011. These funny, memorable, inspirational—and even quirky—videos highlight the best behind-the-scenes moments at the White House and feature sensational musical performances, holiday preparations, civil rights leaders, impressive young Americans, and more.

Take a closer look inside the White House and see the behind-the-scenes footage that you don’t want to miss.  For even more White House videos from 2011 and years past , visit Youtube.com/WhiteHouse.


10. Smart Youngsters Saving the World: Google Science Fair

This October, President Obama welcomed the winners of the first-ever Google Global Science Fair to the White House. Hear the stories of the three remarkable, young, American women who swept the awards and find out what the journey to success has been like.

Don’t Miss: Cancer research, air quality control, and chicken marinades…unlocking scientific discoveries at the age of 14! Watch the video here.

 

 

9. The First Lady Rocks to Beyonce

In May, First Lady Michelle Obama made a surprise visit to Alice Deal Middle School to join students in a Lets Move! Flash Workout. More than 600 schools across the country participated in similar workouts at the same time.

Don’t Miss: A special tribute to Beyonce’s dance moves from our very own First Lady, Michelle Obama. Watch the video here.

 

8. An Inside Look at the White House Movie Theater

In honor of African-American history month this past February, the White House hosted a screening of "Thurgood"—a one-act play starring Laurence Fishburne and written by George Stevens, Jr. Go inside the screening to watch interviews and learn more about the impact of Justice Marshall's work supporting equal rights in America.

Don’t miss: It’s not every day the White House movie theater is jammed packed with our favorite stars – watch the video here!

Watch a sneak peek of the screening here.

7. Lions, and Tigers, and Spiderman, Oh My! 

The White House got a Halloween makeover in anticipation of trick-or-treaters arrival at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and the White House pastry kitchen prepared 4000 gift bags for the President and the First Lady to hand out to the visitors.

Don’t Miss: Trick-or-treating at the White House—what better treat than that? Find out what’s in the goodie bag. Watch the video here.

6. The Volunteers Behind the White House Decorations

Go inside the White House and the Naval Observatory, the official residence for the Vice President, for the 2011 holiday season as we honor military families and their service to our nation

Don’t Miss: Didn’t get to visit the White House over the holidays? Then check out this room-by-room, behind-the-scenes look at the White House all decked out. Watch the video here.

5. Meet the Kennedy Center Honorees

The 2011 Kennedy Center Honors were bestowed on five giants from the world of the arts—not just for a single role or a certain performance, but for a lifetime of greatness. The recipients—Yo Yo Ma, Meryl Streep, Barbara Cook, Neil Diamond and Sonny Rollins—were honored at the White House in early December.

 Don’t Miss: Find out who is stealing the White House bathroom towels... watch the video here.

 4. Ruby Bridges: “Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with History” 

Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges visited the White House to see how a painting commemorating her personal and historic milestone looks hanging on the wall outside of the Oval Office. American artist Norman Rockwell was criticized by some when this painting first appeared on the cover of Look magazine on January 14,1964; but throughout the summer of 2011, the iconic portrait was on display in one of the most exalted locations in the country.

Don’t Miss: Ruby Bridges reflecting with the President about the painting of herself that hangs in the West Wing. Watch the video here.

3.Inside the White House – The State of the Union Address

Watch behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from the making of President Barack Obama's 2011 State of the Union Address. Senior Advisor to the President David Axelrod and Director of Speechwriting Jon Favreau give a rare inside look at the process behind the President's annual address.

Don’t Miss: What team does the President’s speechwriter root for, and why is he at work still during the AFC championship game? Watch the video here.

 2. In Performance at the White House

Go behind the scenes as preparations are underway for this signature White House cultural event. The first, in February, features John Legend during the production of "In Performance at the White House: The Motown Sound." This celebration brought together recording artists to perform classic Motown hits in the East Room of the White House.

Don’t Miss: See some of Jamie Foxx’s hilarious pre-show dance moves. Watch the video here.

In November, go behind the scenes from rehearsal to showtime for  "In Performance at the White House: Country Music."

Don’t Miss: See how James Taylor The Band Perry, Dirks Bentley, Alison Krauss and other country greats warm up before they go on stage. Watch the video here.

1. The President’s Speech

At the 2011 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in April, President Obama joked about a sequel to the film "The King's Speech" that hits closer to home. The President offered a sneak peak of the parody at the annual event.

Don’t Miss: This video needs no explanation. See for yourself why it has almost 500,000 views. Watch the video here.