'I Felt Like Cinderella'
Being a debutante at the White and Red Ball is a meaningful experience for the women who participate. In this section, you will learn what it means to be a debutante from these women in their own words.
![Emily Rafalik, 2014 squared.jpg Emily Rafalik, 2014 squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/d335f36345709144497a04c61246ea1d.jpg)
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Emily Rafalik (2014) discusses what it meant for her to be a debutante.
![Carol Schabelski & Christine Kolaski, 1961 square.jpg Carol Schabelski & Christine Kolaski, 1961 square.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/f8052616f63ce5571f6dc1500e3dbc44.jpg)
Carol Schabelski Kolbash 1961: “I felt just like Cinderella because of all the excitement and glamour. […] 33 years later, the magic was repeated when my husband and I presented our daughter, Mary Anna.”
![Emily Krakowski, 1985 squared.jpg Emily Krakowski, 1985 squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/a791d1eddeb8cab4e41f164c7133eafb.jpg)
Emily Krakowski Limbach, 1985: “Perhaps the most tender memory of that night was of my Grandmother Marie and my Grandfather Bill dancing the Polonaise. I was as proud of them as they were of me.”
![Alexandra Ciesla, 1998 squared.jpg Alexandra Ciesla, 1998 squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/8ea5022a3fa2516b8122207063ccdb91.jpg)
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In this interview, Alexandra Ciesla Cornwell (1998) talks about what it means to be a debutante in her family.
![Michelle Ludwig, 1987 squared.jpg Michelle Ludwig, 1987 squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/fc433794242824724f589a09660a1dca.jpg)
Michelle Ludwig, 1987: “I realized at the moment of my Presentation that the world was at my feet, and that I could accomplish all that I set out to do! I was both exuberant and humble.”
![Eva Bucki, 1983 squared.jpg Eva Bucki, 1983 squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/69dc4b7d40d17eb14bad365858daa211.jpg)
Eva Bucki Dickow, 1983: “I was sort of a ‘reluctant debutante’ at first, but as the rehearsals progressed, I got more excited about the Ball and my Presentation.”
![White & Red Ball Crowning, 1987 squared.jpg White & Red Ball Crowning, 1987 squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/9cc5b256dcab17a7b85c1eca0b8b0d97.jpg)
Nina Siemaszko (left), 1987: “On the night of my Presentation, I was so nervous that I was afraid that I had not done my bow well. But when I stood up and turned back to my Dad, his wide smile told me I had done well!”
![Loriann Smoron, 1991 squared.jpg Loriann Smoron, 1991 squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/488871c06d97e25f4cb38f6cc7ff727d.jpg)
Loriann Smoron, 1991: “I was the last in line of Debutante sisters, so it was an extraordinary event for me and Dad. I will treasure the memories in my heart forever.”
![White & Red Ball Crowning, 1994 - Amanda Peckwas crowning Renata Bielowicz - Squared.jpg White & Red Ball Crowning, 1994 - Amanda Peckwas crowning Renata Bielowicz - Squared.jpg](http://specialcollections.luc.edu/files/square_thumbnails/1cfc702376ddfd968b23b00d8fda188c.jpg)
Renata Bielowicz (seated), 1994: “I remember the friendships I made through our rehearsals—we formed a little family.”