Fifteen lucky students from Chicago were getting dolled-up and decked-out before heading to Washington for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.
Monday was all about formal wear for the students from the South Shore School of the arts in Chicago. The guys spent Monday at K&G Fashion Superstore to pick out tuxedos and get fitted, while the girls giddly played dress-up at David’s Bridal. Even though picking out clothes was fun for them, the teens were way more excited about the event they were getting ready for.
"To be seeing the first African American president, it’s just outstanding," South Shore student, Vincent Richardson, told ABC 7 in Chicago.
"This is a historical event and I will be a witness to witness him get sworn in," said another student, Michelle Hawkins.
The students will be spending three days in Washington for the inauguration, and they’ll also get to take in some historic sites and visit a college campus.
The trip is expensive, but according to ABC 7 a few sponsors are generously chipping in. United Airlines is footing the bill for airfare and hotel rooms, while a private donor is picking up the tab for formal wear (which the students get to keep). There was no money for shoes and accessories, so the kids may have to pay for that themselves.
The students will be keeping a journal of their time in Washington, but this is sure to be a trip that none of them will ever forget.
– Sonya Eskridge
