Teacher and Student Dialogue by: Claire and Alexandra

“Okay class, time for the announcement of student of the year award! So, the best student in our class is Amy with a grade of 100.2% overall.”

“What?! I had a 100.199%. I am declaring that I am the best. I write so much better than her and she gets the award just because of her grade being .001% higher than me? ”

“Yeah...but I put a comma in this sentence and you didn’t, so therefore I should be and am the best writer.”

“Yes, there must only be one winner and between you two students, the obvious choice is Amy”

“This is not acceptable, I have taken just as many classes as her, studied just as hard, if not harder, and have turned in every single assignment on time- all with perfect attendance!”

“Listen, this is how it has and always will be with no acception to the rules and regulations of this award. What is the big deal with it anyways?”

“It means that I’m not the best and I’m not going to be accepted into any schools, let alone get my diploma!”

“Sarah, this is not the end of the world and you will be accepted into college, I’m sure of it.”

“Well, how can I be accepted to any college if I can’t even get a higher grade than Amy when it’s obvious that I deserve it. I do not think my parents will be happy when they hear this outrageous decision you have made.”

“I have no control over any of your parents reactions and thoughts about your academics. That’s just the way life goes.”

“I have wanted this award for my whole life and up until now, I have been doing everything I can to earn it. I have taken extra AP and core classes to get up to the top in order to build myself up for success. If I had not done that, I would’ve been in the regular, easy Algebra 2 class just sitting there waiting for the other kids to catch up to me. With that being said, I’m gonna go straight home and tell my parents of this tragic and unnecessary action that was taken against me and my outstanding grades all because they weren’t 'good enough'."

The next day…

“My parents and I have made an executive decision to sue you, Ms. Rosey, and the rest of the school board. My parents agree with me, that I am a student who works exceptionally hard and I deserve this spot over any of the other students.”

“And how are you going to do that Sarah?”

“I will talk to my lawyer who will definitely agree to my requests when I explain this situation and the unfair consequences it has caused me and my academic future. I’ll be seeing you in court soon Ms. Rosey, and you better come prepared with clear evidence to back up yourself and the school board.”