Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn crowned seniors Michelle Reid and Dietrich Balsbaugh as queen and king of the 2020 President’s Ball court at the annual event Saturday.
Arnn announced Balsbaugh and Reid’s new titles after confirming that the rumors about him and his “girlfriend” Penny Arnn being an item were in fact, “true.”
The crowning of Balsbaugh and Reid brought loud reactions from the audience, which continued when they were welcomed to the dance floor by Larry and Penny Arnn.
Reid, a philosophy and religion major with a 3.9 GPA, said she was both honored and humbled to be crowned queen.
“When I was an underclassman, I thought those who were crowned were a big deal, but now that I’m a senior, it’s kind of fun because we’re all friends and it feels like there are at least ten people I know who would be so deserving of this honor,” she said. “I just love this place a whole lot, and am so thankful for how God has grown me through it. It’s both an honor and makes me chuckle to be recognized for things from which I’ve received far more than I have earned.”
Balsbaugh, an English major with a GPA of 3.73, said he was surprised and overwhelmed to be named king, before paying tribute to his fellow candidates.
“It was delightful to stand with such amazing men and women up there who have all helped shape my experience of life together at Hillsdale,” he said. “I was particularly happy that I was with a group of men who I know and trust. I was an RA with Reagan and Messi, Isaac and I are partners in crime at the Writing Center, and who doesn’t know the joy and inclusiveness that Ian brings to absolutely everything?”
Balsbaugh continued by saying that the quality of the nominees ultimately reflects the student body at Hillsdale.
“I think the court reflected the unity and teamwork of the student body and I was proud of the work that all of us had done both individually and together to further the life of the school,” he said.
