At Punahou, Barry was popular among his classmates and teachers, but in an understated way. Eric Kusunoki, his homeroom teacher in high school admitted he couldnt pronounce Obamas name. But Obama spoke up with a smile, Just call me Barry. In high school, Obama didnt challenge himself enough so he didnt stand out academically. Kusunoki recalled that He and Obama chatted quite often and Obama being a deep thinker he is, impressed some instructors in his high school.