Ladies Who Lunch—With Michelle Obama

Current Events student reporter Betsy Potter had the honor of attending the annual First Lady’s Luncheon in Washington, D.C., on April 30. The event is for congressional wives and is closed to the media, but Betsy was able to attend with her grandmother, whose husband was a congressional representative from Nebraska from 1990 to 2000. Didn’t get an invite? Read along as Betsy unravels her day—you’ll feel as if you are right there lunching too! 

The air is filled with a medley of female voices blended together until they sound like one, and the room is a patchwork quilt of many different-colored dresses. I am at the First Lady’s Luncheon, honoring Michelle Obama, in Washington, D.C.

When we arrive, we strut our way down a flight of grandly carpeted stairs and are greeted by security guards who search our purses before waving us through the spacious lobby of the Hilton Washington. We wander—almost suffocated—by the crowd until we find a small place to rest. Then we are ushered to our seats in the ballroom. We find our table, number 160, which is decorated elaborately in green and brown, and take our seats. 

After a while, we hear the United States Marine Band playing “The President’s Own.” When the introductions of the distinguished guests are complete, there is a presentation of the Color Guard. Then many others and I hastily stand to catch a glimpse of the honored guest.

In response to our welcoming applause, Mrs. Obama calmly gives her speech. She speaks of many things but emphasizes the importance of helping others. “One of my greatest passions [is] national and community service,” she states. She then speaks about the unique ways people across the country help others in need. 

Mrs. Obama also tells a bit about her new, busy life. She says her daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, are getting good grades, playing soccer, and hosting slumber parties in the White House. Among other things, she speaks about walking the dog, Bo, who joined the family a few weeks ago. “Even though the kids are supposed to do a lot of the work, I’m still up at 5:15 a.m. taking my dog out,” Mrs. Obama says. “So for everyone who has a child asking for a puppy, you have to want the dog. As I do. I love my Bo.

While she speaks, we are served a three-course meal of baby watercress salad, roasted Pacific Coast halibut, and cherry clafouti, a custard-like French dessert. Yum.

After a few more speeches, we are entertained by the vocal talents of Blake Lewis, a former American Idol contestant.

When he finishes, we bid the other women at our table good-bye and quietly take our leave. But it’s hard to quiet my thoughts after spending two hours in the presence of one of the most powerful women in the world. 

~By Betsy Potter, Current Events student reporter

Photos: Three generations of Potter ladies attend the First Lady's Luncheon on April 30, from left to right: Elsie Barrett (my grandmother), me, Rachel Rice (my friend), and Beth Barrett (my mother); First Lady Michelle Obama: AP Images

Comments

[South Decatur Elementary - 4th Grade - Group 1]

We love this article about Mrs. Obama. It is good that her kids are doing well in school. It's good they're getting good grades. We think it is cool the Obamas got a dog. We hope they have fun with the dog.

[South Decatur Elementary School - Fouth Grade - Group 8]

The blog is very good. You did an awesome job!We thought that it was very interesting! We think it would be fun to eat with them too and just to talk to them and get to know them!! We think it would be cool to learn about the Obamas.

[Albert Yu]

This article is pretty good. I wonder how it feels to have lunch with the first lady of a country. It might be more exciting than nerve-racking. I would like to have a chance to have lunch with a celebrity; it would make a great memory. It would also be quite interesting.