Bill's inauguration essay secret revealed
So, dear readers, I admit. I withheld information from you. Yes, it's true that city schools intern and InsideEd commenter Bill Ferguson does not have a copy of the winning essay he wrote for the Ticket to History contest that scored him two V.I.P. tickets to today's inauguration. (He filled it out as part of an online form.) But we knew what it was about his essay that made it stand out among 250,000 applicants:
He wrote that he planned to propose to his girlfriend at the inauguration.
Laura Vozzella just spoke with Bill, who confirms the proposal to Lea Smith went off as planned, even if he was nervous about getting the ring through the metal detectors without her noticing. After President Obama finished his inaugural address, Bill -- who estimates they were about 200 feet from the podium -- got down on one knee and told Lea he wanted to remember this moment forever. Out came the ring and down came the tears.
Bill and Lea, both 25, met when they were in Teach for America and had classrooms next door to each other at Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy. In addition to interning in Dr. Alonso's office, he's now a law student at University of Maryland. She works for the Open Society Institute-Baltimore.
All our best wishes to the happy couple!
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
What a great story! I hope the happy couple takes a close look at the Obama marriage and family. They appear to have their priorities straight! Congratulations!
Posted by: Wise Educator | January 20, 2009 6:50 PM
Way to go Bill! You're a rock star:-)
Posted by: Interesting Observations | January 20, 2009 10:48 PM
as bill and lea's TFA and VTTMAA coworker, let me say that they're a great couple and i'm happy to wish them the best!
Posted by: simon | January 20, 2009 11:55 PM
Bill - Getting engaged at the Innauguration was truely an an audacious idea - and so fitting for the occasion - Congratulations to you both!!!
Posted by: Jane Sundius | January 21, 2009 8:22 AM
Bill is the best. Go Bill!
Posted by: Corey | January 21, 2009 8:40 AM
That's phenomenal! All the best to Bill & Lea and what a great story for their future.
Posted by: Alrighty Then... | January 21, 2009 1:15 PM
Thank you all so much! It all wouldn't have been possible without Baltimore City Public Schools, so Lea and I are both sincerely grateful! Now it's time for the two of us to join you all to continue to make Baltimore the best it can be. Genuinely, thank you.
Posted by: Bill | January 21, 2009 6:34 PM
Bill, where is the wedding? Let me throw out an idea. When Mandy and I got engaged, we decided to have a destination wedding in the capital of Alaska, Juneau. It is nice in the summer.
Posted by: Philip Deez | January 22, 2009 12:14 PM
I would recommend a honeymoon in Greece as it is one of the most romantic places I have ever seen. In fact, it's where I met my fiancee, Medikus. Regardless of your choice I wish the two of you the best of luck.
Posted by: Ilene | January 23, 2009 4:15 PM
Bill, what a great moment for you and Lea! I was just shocked when I saw you on TV!
Posted by: Lauren | January 23, 2009 4:55 PM
Thx for this article. Very good.
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