Kennedy Presidential Library in suburban Boston, a building "that Teddy built and brought to life with his dedication to public service, " said the slain president's daughter, Caroline.

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Students are accepted into the institution based on five criteria: Extraordinary academic achievement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to public service and a mandatory passion for Africa.

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And part of that greatness, observers say, is the family's dedication to public service and kitchen-table issues that may be at the core of Obama's fit in the Kennedy brand.

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