Students have a ball at presidential bash

WASHINGTON, D.C. — While most were content to sip their Korbel champagne one glass at a time, the younger crowd that gathered to celebrate the 55th presidential inauguration Thursday preferred to hit up makeshift bars for entire bottles.

“You only get one chance at this life thing, and I’m going to make the most of it,” said Taylor Rankin, a 2003 UNC graduate, before he poured himself a cup from a bottle emblazoned with the inaugural seal.

The bubbly stuff was flowing like water Thursday night at the Washington Convention Center’s Democracy Ball, one of the nine inaugural black-tie affairs, and the many college students in attendance were enjoying every drop of it.

“This is just so exciting because we’re college students and at such a historic event,” said UNC senior Audra Noble. “In college, you can be so far removed from everything, and that makes this really special.”

Ellen Cochran, a third-year law student at the University of Kentucky, echoed the sentiment. “I’m just so thrilled and honored to be at such a huge event,” she said.

Upon entering the Democracy Ball — which hosted visitors from such states as North Carolina, Kentucky and California — holders of the $2,500 tickets were treated to live music, dancing and a small feast of tortellini in addition to liquid refreshment provided by several bars scattered throughout the facility. Mingling with like-minded guests seemed to be a highlight for most of the students, though.

“It’s really great being here with so many Bush supporters,” said Melanie Stephens, a sophomore at the University of Virginia. “It’s really good company.”

Nothing brought more enthusiasm to the crowd than the appearance of the guests of honor. Although the party got started at 7 p.m., it was not until 8:30 that the orchestra began to play the quintessential Washington tune as Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, came onstage.

“When they played ‘Hail to the Chief,’ the hairs on the back of my neck stood up,” said Hunter Rankin, a senior journalism major at UNC and Taylor’s younger brother.

This brief visit only increased the level of anticipation in the room — the president was expected to appear shortly after 10 p.m. Instead, he and Laura showed up at 9:30 as they were introducing Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher, causing the room to race up to the stage in one sweeping motion.

While the Bushes’ visit was almost as brief as that of the vice president, they didn’t head out before finding out from where everyone had traveled to get to Washington that day.

Upon hearing the names Illinois and West Virginia, states designated to attend other balls, Bush expressed some confusion.

“Sounds like this ticket thing got out of control,” he said with a chuckle. He and Laura then enjoyed a short dance before waving farewell to the crowd and heading to their next stop.

The students took a moment to catch their breath and express their excitement about being in the presence of their president before the dancing resumed as R&B group the Voltage Brothers took the stage.

“You see him on television so much, but to actually be in the same room with him — that’s something to write home about,” Stephens said. “It really makes you feel like your vote mattered.”

Once the shock and awe wore off, a cork launched over a bar with a loud pop, signalling a return to the champagne and the dance floor and startling those standing nearby, who reacted with wide-eyed surprise.

When it was all said and done, the crowds headed back out into the frigid January air. And as the realization that school was waiting just around the corner sunk in, Stephens reflected on the night.

“It was all like some movie that I wasn’t supposed to be a part of but somehow was.”

Contact the Features Editor at features@unc.edu.