Alignments

Chapter 17

"Graduates, always remember that life will throw you a lot of curveballs. Don't let them knock you down, find a way to get up. You are all destined for greatness and will succeed in whatever you choose, but don't forget who you are in this moment. Remember the hope and the dreams you hold dear. Don't let life rip that way. I am so proud of you all. Thank you and congratulations." Everyone clapped as the student came down from the podium to return to their seat.

"That was a beautiful statement." The principal spoke. "And now we would like to do something a little different this year. All of the faculty and staff have agreed to present this student with a huge honor. And we would like the superintendent to come up to present it." Everyone clapped as she made her way to the podium.

"Thank you. Now...the idea of the award was presented to me and I signed my approval immediately, because I don't think anyone deserves it more. So basically, the CEO found that due to the school year going so smoothly, there was a leftover of fifty thousand dollars that needed to be allocated to something. Everything we considered, was not able to receive any more funding and as everyone knows, if the money isn't allocated, then it would be taken away and it just didn't seem right. So when it was suggested to put it into a scholarship fund, we jumped at the chance and no one is more deserving than this student. A student that has overcome more adversity than any of us in this room can imagine. The dedication they have shown over these past four years has proven to us that with the right support and resources, any child not matter where they come from can achieve success and we want to take the extra step to ensure they get it. So......we would like to present this scholarship of fifty thousand dollars to.....Janet Jackson." Janet's eyes widened as everyone clapped for her.

"Janet, go up there girl." Her classmates pushed her up and made room for her to get through. She made her way to the stage and they handed her a big check.

"Oh my god. This is so amazing. Thank you." Janet cried. The superintendent hugged her.

"You deserve it, sweetie. You've worked extremely hard and we're so proud of you." Janet looked at the crowd as they clapped for her and although she was happy about the scholarship, her heart broke as she scanned the crowd and found no one there for her.

"Thank you." Janet left the stage and handed the big check to one of the teachers to hold until the end of the ceremony.

"Now, it's time for the presentation of the diplomas. The staff is requesting the all families save their cheers until the end." Everyone laughed because they knew that wasn't happening. The teacher began reading the names and the students walked across the stage. Janet heard the cheers from family members and it only made her feel worse. These were moments where she really missed her family. "Janet Jackson." The audience clapped.
"WOOOO!" She heard a few cheers come from the dark parts of the auditorium. She didn't know who it was, but a big smile spread across her face as she grabbed her diploma and took her picture.

"Walter, did you get it?" Esther asked as she clapped.

"I got it." He held the camera and kept it on Janet as she walked back to her seat. Esther sat back down.

"I can't believe our baby graduated. Can you believe it, Feni?" She turned to see her drying her eyes.

"It's so amazing. I'm so proud of her."

"Mama, can you just tell me what's going on?" She rushed Janet to the living room.

"Sweetie, everything will be explained when the guests get here."

"What do you mean?" Janet sat on the couch. "What guests are you talking about and why is it important to me?" Esther sighed.

"Janet, there's just some things we were waiting to tell you until you got comfortable with the idea of us. Now that you are and you trust us, we can tell you everything."