From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Waldron stared at the spreadsheet on his computer, letting out an excited shriek reminiscent of a groundhog spotting its shadow on Groundhog Day.

"Ah!"

"What's gotten into Mr. Waldron? Scared by his own student's grades?" Bain chuckled. "Come on, we all knew Anthea was just copying from others. No big deal, Mr. Waldron. Every class has its slackers aiming for a shortcut. No shame in that! We all get it around here."

Hearing this, the other teachers in the staff room turned their eyes towards Waldron, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

Plagiarism!

Not exactly a badge of honor to wear around.

The next second, Waldron leaped up, electrified with excitement.

"First place! Our class's star, Boss Yeager, nailed the top spot! She's the valedictorian of the whole city! Our class produced the city's valedictorian!" "Valedictorian?" Bain's face was a picture of sarcasm. "Mr. Waldron, are you living in a fantasy? Snap out of it!"

Just then, the principal burst into the room, grabbing Waldron's hand in a hearty shake. "Mr. Waldron! Congratulations! I just got off the phone with the district office. Anthea scored a whopping 749 points! She's Cloudcrest's top scholar! Get ready, the local news crew will be here any minute to interview you!"

749 points?

Valedictorian?NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

At that, even Bain was speechless.

The other teachers crowded around Waldron's desk, eyes glued to the computer screen displaying Anthea's scores.

Language Arts: 149 points.

Math: 150 points.

Foreign Language: 150 points.

Comprehensive: 300 points.

No extra credit for national policies.

No extra credit for local policies.

Total: 749 points.

Pure score, no extra points, and yet, Anthea's score was unbeatable.

Congratulations filled the room.

Waldron beamed, "Everyone, don't rush off after work. Dinner's on me tonight. My treat!"

Bain sat back, his face a shade paler.

This was supposed to be his moment!

Anthea was his student.

If only he hadn't let Anthea transfer, what business would Waldron have celebrating?

Bain felt like slapping himself.

To add insult to injury, Waldron couldn't resist a jab, "Mr. Bain, congratulations on coaching the second-best student in the city!"

Bain's face turned even sourer.

What's the point of being second in a race where first place steals all the limelight?

If he hadn't let Anthea transfer, he'd be celebrating both the first and second top scorers right now.

Waldron patted Bain on the shoulder, "Really, Mr. Bain, I owe you one. Without you, we wouldn't have Boss Yeager shining in our class, let alone having the city's valedictorian! Make sure you have an extra drink on me tonight!"

Bain's face was a study in discomfort, his forehead beaded with sweat.

Carole was bustling about in her diner when an unexpected call came through.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Anthea's mom?"

"Speaking."

There was palpable excitement on the other end, "Hello, this is the admissions officer from Apex Ascent College, last name Lu. Congratulations, your daughter Anthea scored an outstanding 749 points in her finals! I was wondering if?"

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Carole's mind went blank.

It took her a moment to find her voice, "You're not pulling my leg, are you?"

"Ms. Yeager, why would I joke about something like this? Haven't you checked Anthea's scores on the official website? She's the science stream topper in your city!"

"I'll check it right now," Carole said, her hands trembling as she hung up.

No sooner had she ended the call than another rang.

"This is Anthea's mom, Ms. Yeager speaking."

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"Ms. Yeager, congratulations! I'm from the admissions office at Capital University. Your daughter topped the charts with 749 points Have you considered our university? If she joins us in Capital City, we'll take care of the commute and waive alptuition fees!"

After hanging up, Carole hurried to the diner's computer, logged onto the grading system, and saw Anthea's scores for herself.

She covered her mouth, disbelief giving way to elation, "Nana! Come here a sec!"

Nana rushed over, "What's up, boss?"

Carole beamed, "Annie's the city's top scholar! Tell everyone dining right now, in celebration of my daughter's achievement, their meals are on the house! And for anyone coming in later, everything's half off! Plus, I'm raising everyone's salary by 800 bucks this month!"

Nothing beats sharing good news.

Carole was over the moon, eager to spread the joy far and wide.

Nana returned the smile, "Congratulations, boss! I always knew Annie would pull through with flying colors! I'll spread the word right away!"