Long Grove first-graders attend own inaugural

Tonight, glittering couples will step out at inaugural balls all over Washington, D.C., but last week at Country Meadows School in Long Grove, first-graders got a head start.

The students attended their own inaugural ball, playing heads of state and guests. It was the culmination of a study unit on American symbols.

Couples were announced as they entered the gym and then the box stepping and waltzing began.

Music teacher Jesse Rathgeber, physical education teachers Holly Smith and Kathy Nihill and first-grade teachers Mary Fey, Meg Larson, Griselda Perales and Lindsay Stanton collaborated to present the unit and the gala.