The Student Activities Board hosted the first traditional President’s Ball since Michigan’s COVID-19 mandates came into effect.
“This was our first President’s Ball back,” SAB member and sophomore Gabby Lewis said. “Last year we had to make some changes because of the COVID mandates, and this year we really wanted people to not have to worry about that.”
SAB overcame the difficulty of finding a band willing to cooperate with Hillsdale’s lack of precautions.
“There were a few tricky things because a lot of bands don’t want to be that close to so many unvaccinated people,” Lewis said. “There is also a balance of availability of people who can come with the required equipment that they need to perform. ”
The Detroit band “Skyline and the Backstreet Horns” met all of SAB’s stipulations and performed at the event.
“I love the fact that they were able to have live music at Prez Ball,” sophomore Avery Buchannan said. “They sounded great and picked good songs.”
Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn crowned seniors Aidan Cyrus and Natalie Kent President’s Ball king and queen. Each danced with the Arnns to the song “Moonlight Serenade.”
“It was an honor, and such a blast,” Kent said. “The night was spent among dear friends, and the opportunity to dance with Dr. Arnn was the college bucket list item I didn’t know I needed. In all seriousness, it was such a privilege to be crowned, and a memory I won’t soon forget.”
The menu featured Mediterranean-inspired beef kofta kebabs, pita chips with hummus, dried fruits, baklava, and pomegranate basil themed mocktails.
“We also wanted stuff that was on theme, but also familiar,” Lewis said. “We knew that some people were unfamiliar with eating goat and certain foods. Originally we were thinking of a kefir beverage option, and then we were like, ‘people probably aren’t familiar with that.’ We went with good options to have people enjoy themselves.”
SAB members said they were pleased with how the night went.
“Since it was many people’s first traditional President’s Ball, we attempted to create a space that everyone could enjoy together, celebrating friendships here on campus,” Lewis said.
