Once upon a time, on a wet and rainy April afternoon, a girl named Nancy Lee received an unexpected invitation from Miss O’Shay, the vice-principal. Excitedly, she entered Miss O’Shay’s office where another teacher, Miss Dietrich, was present. It seemed like they knew something special. Miss Dietrich wanted to be part of the conversation, and this hinted that good news was coming.
To Nancy's surprise, she was told that her painting had won the Artist Club award. Overwhelmed with joy, tears filled Nancy's eyes. Miss O'Shay and Miss Dietrich congratulated her warmly.
However, Miss O’Shay had called Nancy to the office not only to share the good news but also to prepare her for what was to come. Nancy had to think about what she would say at the assembly when the award was officially announced. Miss O’Shay wanted her to be calm and prepared, ensuring that her speech would be positive and not cause any trouble.
The next day, Friday morning arrived. Nancy, ready with a short speech, went to see Miss O’Shay again. However, this time, there was no smile on Miss O’Shay’s face. In a serious tone, she broke the news that Nancy would not be receiving the award. Shocked and disappointed, Nancy tried to mention her speech about America, but the committee had changed their plans upon learning she was colored.
Miss O’Shay, feeling sorry, promised to fight against such unfair decisions. She expressed her shame for the city and herself. She assured Nancy that she would appeal to the school board to remove any prizes denied based on race. This powerful act showed Miss O’Shay's strength and courage.
In the end, Nancy, though disappointed, walked towards the auditorium with hope. She believed there would be other awards in other cities, and when she became a woman, she would fight against such unfairness. She was confident that people like Miss O’Shay would stand by her.
Vice-principal: A vice-principal is a person in a school who helps the principal and takes charge when the principal is not available.
Assembly: An assembly is a gathering of students in a school, usually for announcements or special events.
Discouraged: Discouraged means feeling less hopeful or disheartened.
Acceptance Speech: An acceptance speech is a talk given by a person who receives an award, expressing gratitude and thanks.
Overwhelmed: Overwhelmed means to be overcome with a great amount of something, like emotions.
Committee: A committee is a group of people chosen to do a particular job or make decisions.
Disappointment: Disappointment is the feeling of sadness or displeasure when something expected does not happen.
Appeal: An appeal is a serious and urgent request, often made to a higher authority.
Unfairness: Unfairness is the quality of being unjust or not right.
Courage: Courage is the ability to face difficulties or danger without fear.
Optimistic: Optimistic means having a positive outlook or expecting favorable outcomes.
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