ArcelorMittal employee said ‘Merry Christmas Mr President!’
When Katherine Bell, Staff Assistant, ArcelorMittal Government Relations, in Washington, D.C. was invited to sing for US President Barack Obama during the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, it was a dream come true.
“The event was surreal,“ Katherine says. “From the time we rehearsed on the morning of the ceremony to the time we performed that evening, a crowd had appeared, and there were people as far as you could see – except for the beautiful National Christmas Tree and the White House in the background.”
Her group, the 18th Street Singers, was invited to perform on the Ellipse in the nation’s capital on December 3 during the televised Christmas tree lighting ceremony. “When the music started playing and we were standing up there looking out over that stunning scene, I couldn’t help but think that it doesn’t get any better than this,” adds Katherine (bottom row, 4th from left in the picture).
After rehearsing and meeting other performers like Sheryl Crow and Randy Jackson, the 18th Street Singers were invited backstage to meet President Obama and his family.
“About all I could muster when I met the First Family was, ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. President!’” exclaims Katherine, who has also sung in such prestigious venues as the Vatican in Rome. “It is the strangest feeling to be face-to-face with such familiar, well-known figures and to realize that their attention is focused on you.”
“Singing in the National Christmas Tree ceremony was a wonderful experience and an opportunity for which I’ll always be grateful,” Katherine concludes.
To our US singer and to all of you: Seasons Greetings and all the best for the New Year!
Collaboration: Candice Olson, Communications, ArcelorMittal USA
2 comments
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December 23rd, 2009 by Carlos Eduardo de Souza
It is almost impossible imagining to face such a emotinoal scene. Congratulations to Katherine because it’s not every day one has this sort of luck. I wish I could have the same chance.
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December 23rd, 2009 by Jack Tipold
Meeting our president is a very rewarding experience, during the election I to was fortunate enough to meet President Obama and spend some time talking and just getting to know him as a person. It is truley a experience I will never forget.
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