Naval Ball

By MIDN 2/C Rhiannon Low

On February 21st, the Carnegie Mellon University Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (CMU NROTC) unit hosted its 17th annual Midshipmen Naval Ball.  This Ball is a chance for the Midshipmen to build camaraderie and recognize our graduating seniors.  It also works as a training exercise for Midshipmen; (1) they practice proper etiquette required by such formal events, (2) are introduced to Naval and Marine Corps Ball customs, and (3) recognize those who still serve and those who have paved the way. This function serves many purposes given that as officers we will have to attend or even host many formal functions.  This allows us to become more comfortable in a formal military setting.  It also provides a very unique experience for all in attendance.  Unlike the annual Navy or Marine Corps Birthday Balls, this event was

This year’s event was hosted in the beautiful Grand Hall at the Priory on the North Side of Pittsburgh.  The event kicked off with a receiving line where the Midshipmen Battalion Commander introduced all of the Midshipmen and their dates to Captain Billy, Lieutenant Colonel Grant, and our Guest of Honor, Captain Conway.   Then the senior class was introduced, followed by the presentation of the national colors, singing of the national anthem, and the invocation.  Captain Conway was chosen to be our Guest of Honor because of his close relation to both the military and college aspects of the Midshipman’s lives; he is a retired Navy Captain and Pittsburgh resident working at Carnegie Mellon University.  Captain Conway gave a speech before dinner that combined military and civilian advice for our future officers.

After a delicious dinner, the Midshipmen entertainment commenced.  The singers of the Midshipmen band “Chocolate Thunder” kicked it off with an amusing parody about the seniors. They were followed by a skit written by some of the Second Class Midshipmen and preformed by various members of the Battalion.  Following the concluding remarks, the dance floor opened and everyone was free to mingle.

The night was riddled with smiles and laughter.  It took many people and a lot of hard work to make this Ball a success, but the joy that was had by all of the Midshipmen that night made it all worth it.