Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2002 02:17:01 GMT
From: patcross@kskc.net
Subject: Pat and John-10

    John's first weekend home did wonders for him, as he got to enjoy being a
boy again. Happily, he was to receive another surprise on Monday morning when
his family drove him to school, instead of the hospital. As they drove up to
the front doors of the high school where both boys were students, the family
was met by the Principal, Mr. Jorge Galvez. When he saw John, Mr. Galvez
smiled, and began cry softly, as if seeing a long lost friend. As he saw John
actually walking towards him, he reached out and hugged John, as if he'd never
see him again.

    Once inside, they told Mr. Galvez of John's recovery. The poor man was in
awe at John's will to live. "Wait here," said Mr. Galvez, at the entrance to
the auditorium. After a dramatic pause, he clicked on the lights, reveaing a
packed house. As John and his family made their way to the stage, row after row
of students and faculty rose to applaud John. After everyone had taken their
seat, Mr. Galvez began to speak.

    "Students, faculty, and honored guests. Almost five months ago, the life of
one of our fellow students was tragically altered by a cruel act in what was
supposed to be a game of sportmanship. Today, by some miracle known only to him
and God, he stands, and walks before us today, when the doctors said he'd never
do so again. And yet, during his painful therapy, he has managed to maintain a
4.0 in all his classes. Therefore, after discussion with the faculty and School
Board, it is my distinct honor to award the Student of the Year Award to John
Stephens for his bravery, his kindness of heart, his intelligence, his loyalty,
and most of all, for just being John Stephens, a young man who would never turn
anyone away, whether friend or foe. He will receive a full four year
scholarship to the university of his choice upon graduating High School as his
reward." The entire school rose to applaud John.

    "Wait!", yelled Mr. Galvez. "Normally, there are two such awards given
annually, but this is the first time the second award has been given to members
of the same family for EXACTLY the same reason! Pat Stephens, would you please
come down and accept your award?" Pat stood up and, in shock, walked down to
the podium to accept his award. Again, the student body got up to applaud
rather loudly.

    Quietly, as cheers for Pat and John rocked the audtorium, the football team
got up on the stage behind the Stephens without their knowledge. The football
coach went to the podium. "Mm-hm. This year, our football squad became State
Champions by beating the toughest team in the State. But, in doing so, we lost
one of our most inspirational players. By a vote of the Coaches and the Team,
it has has decided to award John Stephens his Letter for Football.
Additionally, his name will remain on the team roster until he graduates. I do
have a question, John. Will you be on the team next year?"

    John gasped in surprise, thought for a moment, and answered, "Yessir, I
sure will!" Amid cheers, members of the team picked John up and held him on
their shoulders as the school's true champion, as if he were some sort of
superhero. After that assembly, almost everybody at the school thought of John
in that way. He'd fought the hard fight, and won. For his school, he decided,
he'd keep on fighting. He couldn't let them down.