Mrs. Eddy stood at the front of the class, her face beaming with enthusiasm as she announced the day's event. Selina and Caitlin sat together, their fingers nervously fidgeting with their notes. "Hopefully I don’t mess up on my words," Selina whispered to Caitlin. "Hopefully other people are actually listening," replied Caitlin with a hint of trepidation in her voice.
The students filed into the MPR, the sound of shuffling feet and whispered conversations filling the air. The stage loomed ahead, its presence both daunting and thrilling to Selina and Caitlin. Selina felt her palms begin to sweat as she realized the entire school was present, ready to listen. Caitlin glanced at Selina, her own face reflecting similar nerves.
Mrs. Eddy led Selina and Caitlin onto the stage, the principal having just concluded his welcome speech. As they approached the microphone, Selina felt her heart pounding in her chest. Caitlin took a deep breath, starting the speech with a confident introduction. "Hello Solana Ranch students and families. My name is Caitlin..." "And, erm, my name is Selina," Selina added, her voice trembling slightly before gaining strength.
Selina and Caitlin finished their speech, their voices ringing with enthusiasm as they shouted, "GO HAWKS!" The room erupted in applause, a chorus of clapping hands and cheers echoing off the walls. The girls stepped off the stage, their hearts swelling with pride, as their classmates congratulated them on a job well done.
That evening, Selina couldn't contain her excitement as she recounted the day's events to her family. "So we were very nervous and when we got on stage she started and we did REALLY good and—" she gushed. Her brother groaned, "CAN SELINA JUST STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!" but her mother interjected gently, "Honey, maybe give her a chance to speak. Today was a big day for her." Selina beamed at her parents, feeling proud and accomplished.
Selina lay in bed that night, her mind replaying the moment on stage. The applause, the smiles, and the congratulations all mingled in her thoughts. She knew she would remember this achievement just like she remembered her own name, a milestone etched in her memory forever.
