Evening at the President’s Ball
Written by Chelsey Schmid
On the evening of February 22, Hillsdale students flocked from across campus to Howard Music Hall for the annual President’s Ball – a free night of live music, dancing, classy outfits, and delicious food.
The Ball provides Hillsdale students with a chance to set aside their studies, don their ritziest outfits, and head out for a night of merriment with friends or dates. The theme for this year’s dance was the Academy Awards, and the planners went all out. Arriving students were greeted by the requisite red carpet, photographers snapping pictures, and a gigantic, gilded Oscar that stood around seven feet tall. Tables loaded with chocolate fountains, mini quiches, and other treats lined one side of the main room.
At the start of the evening, swing dancers dominated the dance floor, showing off tricks and aerials or simply enjoying the partner dancing, but by 10 p.m. the band was belting out modern songs and the floor was packed with students.
During a brief interlude around 10:30, Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn announced the 2014 President’s Ball King and Queen, seniors Anthony Manno and Grace Marie Lambert. Faculty members had nominated senior students for the honor, and the King and Queen were selected by a panel of faculty and staff. The King and Queen participated in the traditional dance with Dr. and Mrs. Arnn before the band revved up once more and the students returned to their dancing. The band played until midnight, at which point students dispersed to after-parties, movie nights, or the welcoming comfort of their homes.
Chelsey Schmid is a junior studying History and German at Hillsdale College. She holds positions in several organizations, including Copy Editor of the Hillsdale Forum Magazine and Social Chair of the German Honorary. Chelsey also volunteers at a local historic home, works as a lifeguard, and dances swing and ballroom.