WASHINGTON, D.C. | The nation’s capital was flooded with thousands of people joining in the celebration of President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Region residents were a part of many of the festivities.
Gale Gillis-Carter worked for the Obama campaign and was invited to volunteer in the inauguration events. Gillis-Carter, 55, of East Chicago, was selected from thousands of applicants to work some of the official events.
After volunteering to make calls for the Obama campaign, Gillis-Carter said she received an e-mail to apply and filled out an online form.
“I barely remember filling out the questionnaire,” she said. “I figured I’d never get picked.”
But to her surprise, the East Chicago Central High School history teacher was selected to be one of the volunteers working at the ball put on for President Obama’s staffers.
She’s honored to be able to work for the festivities and said she was happy to help get him re-elected.
“I just have the utmost admiration for him,” she said.
Darion Elzia also was included in the celebration. The Thornton Fractional South High School senior participated in the Inaugural Parade on Monday.
Elzia, of Lansing, is part of the South Shore Drill Team, which was selected from more than 2,000 teams by the Inaugural Committee.
His mother, Kem Elzia, said she was proud of her son.
“My husband and I are just in awe about it,” she said. “We’re just excited that he has this chance — an opportunity to be a part of this.”
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