What Hillary Clinton wrote in a letter to an 8-year-old who lost her bid for class president

"While I know you may have been disappointed that you did not win President, I am so proud of you for deciding to run in the first place," Clinton wrote in her letter to Martha Kennedy Morales, a third grader at a Maryland private school.

"As I know too well, it's not easy when you stand up and put yourself in contention for a role that's only been sought by boys," Clinton wrote.

The Washington Post was the first to report on the letter, which Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill confirmed to CNN is authentic.

Martha told CNN she was "really excited" to receive Clinton's letter, dated December 6.

"It was really touching to know that Hillary Clinton herself sent me a letter," Martha told CNN. "That doesn't happen every day."

Martha had decided to run for class president, but lost by one vote to a male classmate in an election that took place two weeks ago. Martha did, however, become vice president.

She said the loss was "still disappointing" because of the effort she put into her campaign only "to lose to a boy."

In her letter to Martha, Clinton wrote, "The most important thing is that you fought for what you believed in, and that is always worth it."

"As you continue to learn and grow in the years ahead, never stop standing up for what is right and seeking opportunities to be a leader, and know that I am cheering you on for a future of great success," she added. Clinton also congratulated Martha on being elected vice president.

Martha, who said Clinton "really inspires" her, told CNN that she wrote Clinton back to thank her. She also said she might consider inviting the former Democratic presidential nominee to visit her school in Maryland and meet their class government.

In the 2016 presidential election, Clinton made history as the first woman nominated as a major party's presidential candidate.

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