‘Promise’ kept

WASHINGTON — Harlem ninth-grader Kiara Molina gave President Obama what he called “one of the best introductions I’ve ever had,” at a White House event Thursday announcing five struggling areas designated as “Promise Zones” eligible for tax breaks and other aid.

Molina has attended the Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy since she was 4. The charter school is part of the Harlem Children’s Zone, which provides services to local families and was cited among the models for Obama’s Promise Zones.

The precocious Molina (inset far l.), addressing a room full of reporters and lawmakers and a national television audience, described her school as an example to struggling kids “that school can be exciting and safe.”

Her quip that she con- sidered becoming a veterinarian but is leaning toward law “because I love ‘Law and Order’” drew a presidential smile.

But Molina really got Obama’s attention by noting: “I feel so honored to meet my President.”

Obama gave the audience an amused look and a nod of agreement with her word choice as she continued, “He cares about kids like me: where we come from; what we want to be.”

Molina said she wants to do college and do well for her mother, a Dominican immigrant. “I want to make her happy and (know she) raised a good girl,” she said.

The President said she was already well along the way.

“We’re so proud of Kiara for that introduction, and for sharing her story,” Obama said after her remarks. “So poised. And I know your mom is proud. I know she is. She should be.”