Barely suppressing a self-satisfied grin, Nathan Hightower, Principal of Lewis Middle School, surveys his entire student body the day before Thanksgiving, the very model of magnanimous compassion. Behind him are piled forty frozen turkeys, gifts from himself and local grocers for his school's most needy families. Students might find him intimidating, faculty may consider him aloof, but on this day, perhaps more so than any other, the world tells him he is generosity embodied.
"Rachel Sandecker! Justin Buchanan!" His deep voice splits the gymnasium like repeating thunder cracks, "George Bailey Wallach! Anna Vargas! Come down ... collect your family's free turkey!"
Students dive for cover, flattening themselves behind classmates as more names ring out. Hightower quickly becomes enraged. What ungrateful little brats! Don't they appreciate his benevolent concern for the least of them?
What is Hightower thinking? Is this intentional poverty-shaming or is our principal honestly so clueless he can't see how humiliating this is for us poor kids? Thankfully, my nearby affluent friends make excellent human shields, keeping me conveniently out of his eye line.
"Anna Vargas! I see you! Get down here!"
Oh no.
My legs wobble unsteadily as I descend the bleachers, feeling every eye on me, terrified I might burst into flames if l meet anyone's gaze. Our family doesn't even have an oven ... what the hell are we gonna do with a turkey?!
Justin Buchanan is already standing next to Hightower. Popular, athletic, not tremendously bright, he mutely accepts his frozen symbol of pity. Considering its weight for a moment, he hoists the turkey triumphantly overhead, a goofy smile spreading across his face.
The audience erupts with supportive laughter.
Everything shifts in a second. Suddenly, it's cool to be here. More students spill down the bleachers. Together we lift our turkeys high. The applause is deafening.
Acceptance.
Best. Thanksgiving. Ever. | RF
Great story! I felt the embarrassment of the poor kids and rejoiced when the students could come together. But the lesson remains about "poor shaming." Well done.