Local students preparing to perform in presidential inaugural parade

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Members of Culver Academies' Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes team have been invited to perform in the upcoming Presidential Inaugural Parade. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jan 11, 2009 at 4:43 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 14, 2009 at 7:54 PM EST

CULVER — Dozens of local students are gearing up for a very special event. Members of Culver Academies' Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes have been invited to perform in the upcoming Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C.

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Students and staff have been planning and preparing for the past several months. They say it's going to be well worth it.

South Bend native Michelina Carbone fell in love with horses at just 6 years old.

"We were driving down the road and I saw a big pasture of about 20 horses. And I told my dad that I really wanted to do it," said Carbone.

Carbone has been riding every since. She's only been in one parade, but her next one will sure be one to remember.

"They sent out an all-school email, saying that we got invited and I was just so excited," said Carbone.

One hundred students and their horses from Culver Academies will take part in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Getting ready for such an event takes a lot of preparation. Sunday, everyone saddled up to get a little practice in before the big day.

Spectators lined the streets, taking pictures and clapping. With five inaugural parades under her belt, girls equestrian coach Lynn Rasch says nothing compares to real thing.

"To be an American and to be involved in this and it's so patriotic. It's so wonderful for our country," said Rasch.

A country that will make history, inaugurating the first black president. Students and staff say that makes being a part of it all even more special.

"I feel very blessed that I have this opportunity, and even being the sixth one, it's just so fantastic," said Rasch.

"I've waited my whole life to do something this amazing," said Carbone.

This will mark the 15th time Culver Academies has participated in the Inaugural Parade.

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