AJ let out a low sigh of frustration. He hated these award shows. Hated them. Every year, they were the same thing. Perfect attendance, honor roll, MVP for different sports (and, of course, Lyle won at least one every year). Very little to benefit someone like him, essentially.

This sucks, he thought. Every year, I wonder why I hated the previous awards show, and every year, I’m reminded of why. Well, this is the last time I have to attend any award show here.


He smirked a little when Ms. Bellereve, the head of the cheerleading team and dance team, stepped onto the stage. At least I’ll get a free show, he thought more cheerily. He didn’t realize just what kind of show he would get.

“As you all know, every year, our girls work very hard to show school spirit at all events, as well as on a day to day basis,” Ms. Bellereve chirped. “And before we present the awards, our girls will do a brief exhibition for you.”

AJ heard a strange sound nearby and turned his head to look. Charise, Ms. Gibson, and S were snickering and nudging each other. What’s that about? he wondered.

The girls made their way onto the stage, and music began playing. Charise, Ms. Gibson, and S looked as though they were about to fall out of their seats at any second. AJ began to wonder if perhaps they’d invested in some highly illegal substances. That, or they have one hell of a joke that they’re not sharing, he thought.


Just then, the bubblegum pop music stopped. The cheerleaders looked around, totally bewildered.

“Is there something wrong with the CD?” one of them asked.

Just then, some music began playing, but it was definitely not the music that had been playing before. Most of the people in the audience began giggling and laughing, recognizing the music.

“You’ve got to be kidding…” AJ muttered. “Don’t tell me they actually… this is insane.”

Just then, Gideon danced onto the stage and began lip-synching to the music for about thirty seconds or so, before the music stopped, and he announced, “Ladies and gentlemen of Oakdale High… you’ve just been Rickrolled!” Then, with a laugh, he raced off the stage and out of the auditorium.

AJ looked over at Charise, S, and Ms. Gibson, who were nearly in tears from their laughter. It took almost ten minutes for the audience to calm down enough for the award show to continue.


“Okay, now that all of that… foolishness… has happened,” Ms. Esso said, frowning disapprovingly, “we’ll continue. First, before announcing the scholarships, I would like to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian of this year’s graduating class. This year’s valedictorian is Sara Lowry, and this year’s salutatorian is Maya Smith.”

Emily and Ophelia nodded in approval, though there were some murmurs of surprise. Maya and Sara were both known to be exceptionally good students, and while Maya was known for being a bit short-tempered, Sara was generally good-natured, with a friendly smile and a kind word for everyone.

“And now, the last-minute scholarships. Mr. Rivers and Ms. Gibson will be presenting them,” Ms. Esso continued, unaware that the masterminds behind the very cause of the recent chaos were right before her.


“Thank you, Ms. Esso,” Ms. Gibson said cheerily. “As you know, many of the students have been heavily involved in various activities throughout the school year, and while some of them may not be exceptional students academically, they do deserve to be rewarded for their hard work nonetheless. Other students may have shown great talent but were too modest to show it to others. The information about who would receive these awards has only recently been released, so the winners will be given their awards here tonight.”

“The first scholarship is from the North Oakdale Society for Young Adult Artists. Each year, two scholarships, worth $800 each, are rewarded to college-bound students in the state who have shown talent in painting, sculpture, photography, and other such forms of art. This year, both scholarships have been awarded to Oakdale High students,” Mr. Rivers announced. “This year’s recipients are Emily Desjardin and Ophelia Foley.”

Ophelia and Emily exchanged looks of astonishment and glee, then raced up the stairs of the stage, where Ms. Gibson handed each of them an envelope.

“The envelope contains the paperwork you’ll need to present to the college when you go to pay tuition,” Ms. Gibson explained.

“Thanks!” Emily replied, her eyes bright with happiness.

“This is awesome. $800 toward college. That’ll cover books for two semesters,” Ophelia added, grinning.

They returned to their seats, grinning from ear to ear.

“Next, we have the Moriseaux City Adolescent Authors Scholarship. Every year, one student from each parish who has shown remarkable creative writing ability is given this award, which provides the recipient with $500 for college, and an additional $300 stipend per year if the student graduated with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher,” Ms. Gibson announced. “The winner of this award is Emily Desjardin.”

Emily let out a gasp of astonishment and looked over at Ophelia and AJ, who cheered loudly for her. She laughed delightedly and hurried back up to the stage.

“Congrats,” Mr. Rivers said to her. Then, very quietly, he added, “And there’s a whole lot more coming. Ms. Gibson and I spent a whole weekend tracking down financial aid for you guys.”

Emily grinned in response and returned to her seat.


“Next, we have the Oakdale Society for Women Award,” Ms. Gibson continued. “Every year, this award is given to two young women who have dealt with great struggles and emerged from their troubles as better, stronger people. This scholarship, which provides $1,000 per semester to each recipient, is awarded to Tiffani Royale and Ophelia Foley.”

Tiffani sat in her seat, mouth agape with astonishment. Ophelia laughed and grabbed her hand. “Come on, silly!” she said, tugging Tiffani from her seat and leading her to the stage.

Tiffani hugged Ms. Gibson tightly when she received her envelope. “Thank you so much,” she whispered.

“You deserve it,” Ms. Gibson replied. “This’ll help provide you with what you need to truly become free of your family.”

Tiffani smiled in response, tears in her eyes, and she and Ophelia returned to their seats.

“Next, we have the Well-Rounded Athlete Award,” Mr. Rivers said. “To receive this award, the winner must be more than just a great athlete. He or she must have also demonstrated academic ability, as well as participation in non-athletic activities. “This award, which provides $900 for the recipient to use toward college tuition, goes to AJ Desjardin!”