Five Real Friends by Ray Mossholder Chapter 11 Graduation Reach More Now – Willie is valedictorian and stuns everyone with his message strongly approved by his four closest friends, and secretly by Principal Herkshire and janitor Bozznobber. There’s a lot more that happens in this wonderful final chapter that you are going to want to hear. Listen now.
Five Real Friends by Ray Mossholder Chapter 11 Graduation
Death Strike Chs. 7&8 The Speech, The Militia – Left Behind – The Kids
John and Mark had studied the sound system in the auditorium. If Judd deviated from his script, Mrs. Jennes would intervene. They had to have an alternate plan.
Mark and John had rigged an auxiliary microphone, hidden under Judd’s graduation gown. If his podium microphone was turned off, the auxiliary bypass the mixing board and went straight to the huge overhead monitors. Then, the only way to keep Judd from being heard would be to cut the speaker cable.
A thousand images flashed through Judd’s mind as he stepped to the lectern. Empty seats on the plane. Losing his parents. Bruce. Pastor Billing’s tape. Vicki and Lionel and Ryan.
The crowd stared, and the red light on the television camera beckoned. Whatever the cost, whatever the outcome, he felt God had called him to this moment.
Judd remembered a few techniques from speech class. He let the audience settle, then paused another second. The auditorium stilled as he folded his notes and placed them inside the lectern. He would speak from memory and from his heart.
“I made a promise to myself in this room one year ago. I vowed to deliver a message tonight. And I think G– I’m thankful I’m able to do that.”
No looking down. Jed looked at their faces.
“When we graduates started our junior year, we had no idea that many of our friends would not join us tonight. Kids we played T-ball with. We felt as close to some of them as to our own families. But now they’re gone.
“I would like to remember them now with a moment of silence.”
Judd stepped back and bowed his head. He turned slightly to see Mrs. Jennes and Leon Fortunato looking at the floor. So far, so good.
Death Strike Chs. 7&8 The Speech, The Militia – Left Behind – The Kids
