Making a Difference

“Students, may I have your attention please?”

Mrs. Finney waits at the podium until everyone in the auditorium is quiet. “The food drive was a big success. We brought in a lot of food. These donations will go a long way to help people in our community who are in need. I’m so proud of everyone who participated, and I’d like you to give yourselves a big round of applause.”

Mrs. Finney waits while the whole school claps. When the applause stops, she starts talking again.

“I know there was an unfortunate mix-up over the cans that were collected, which meant that it was impossible to know who won the homework-free week.”

When she says that, some of the kids in the back of the auditorium boo.

I look at Joey, who is sitting in the chair next to me. Yesterday, Joey and I went to Mrs. Finney’s office and explained the situation to her. Then I told her my idea for a solution. She said she would think about it, but she didn’t promise anything.

I hold up my hands so Joey can see that my fingers on both hands are crossed. I really hope Mrs. Finney comes through.

She continues, “You all worked very hard, so I have made the decision that everyone at Fern Falls Elementary deserves to be a winner. When you return from Thanksgiving break, there will be no homework for anyone for a week.”

When she says that, every student in the auditorium claps and cheers.

It takes a long time for everyone to settle down. Finally, Mrs. Finney clears her throat like she’s not done talking. “It was not my idea to do this. Mallory McDonald and Joey Winston, who headed up the food drive, suggested it. They thought this was the only fair solution.” She pauses and smiles. “But I have to admit that I agree.”

When she says that, there’s a fresh round of applause. Everyone who is sitting near Joey and me high-fives us.

“I can’t believe it!” says Grace.

“This is so cool,” says Zoe.

“You’re both geniuses!” Pete says to Joey and me.

Even Mary Ann tells us we did a great job. Everyone is talking about how amazing it is that the whole school will have no homework next week.

“I know you’re all excited,” says Mrs. Finney. “But we have a special guest with us who wants to talk to you. Students, I’d like to turn the program over to Mr. Lee, the director of the Fern Falls Food Bank.”

A man joins Mrs. Finney onstage. She shakes his hand and steps back so he can stand at the podium. Mr. Lee smiles at the audience. “I wish I’d had a homework-free week when I went to school,” he says.

Everyone laughs.

Then Mr. Lee gets a serious look on his face. “I want to thank all of you for participating in the food drive. Before the assembly, I went by the gym with Mrs. Finney and saw all of the bags of cans you collected. Because of your efforts, many families in Fern Falls will have a very special Thanksgiving.”

He pauses and then continues. “What you have done has made a real difference in our community, and I want to thank you for all of your hard work.”

He waits while everyone claps. “I also want to recognize a special teacher and some special students who helped lead the food drive.” He calls Mrs. Daily onstage and thanks her for being the teacher in charge of the food drive.

Then he calls Joey, me, and all of the reps on to the stage with him. He presents a certificate to each of us.

Mrs. Daily takes a picture as we pose with Mr. Lee and our certificates.

When we’re done, the third graders sing the Thanksgiving song they practiced.

Then Mrs. Finney wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving and dismisses students to go back to their classes.

The reps follow Mrs. Daily to the gym to help take the bags of the food to the parking lot where the truck from the Fern Falls Food Bank is waiting. As I leave the gym, all my friends crowd around me.

“Mallory, you did an amazing job with the food drive,” says Chloe Jennifer.

“You definitely did!” Pamela smiles at me like she’s proud.

“It was a great idea,” says April.

Even Arielle and Danielle have nice things to say.

“Now we want to do something that helps other people too,” says Arielle.

“Maybe something for Christmas,” adds Danielle.

“Thanks,” I tell all my friends. As I head to the gym, I take a deep breath.

I’m really happy about the way things turned out. Fern Falls Elementary was able to do something good for the community. Everything worked out with the contest. I got a certificate of appreciation, and all my friends thought I did a good job.

It’s almost Thanksgiving and I, Mallory McDonald, have a lot to put on the list of things I’m thankful for.