It was Thursday—the day that everyone was waiting for. It wasn’t a normal morning in Mchalmond High School. The students assembled in the widest area in the main building, which was the gymnasium. All levels stood with their heads up, wearing their neatly ironed uniform with pride.
After Mr. Noah Chapman’s welcoming address, he called on Alison Hodges, the campus Vice President, and the acting President. Her long, brown hair was in a French braid.
“Students, teachers, faculty, and staff, good morning,” she said. “Today, we will witness the introduction of the brave students who accepted the challenge of becoming the next campus president. First, we have Mr. Curtis Fleming.”
Cade walked to the stage and nodded his head as he looked at the audience. The crowd clapped their hands.
“Second, we have Mr. Dexter Frost.”
Dexter walked like a model with charisma as he brushed his fingers through his wavy hair. The loud shrieking of the girls made Mrs. Bethany Tinsley’s brows cross.
“Last but definitely not least, Mr. Stan Carline.”
The crowd silenced when Stan came. He was fresh in their eyes. A name without remarkable achievements, unlike his competitors. A transferee who never wanted the spotlight.
“To get to know our candidates and their visions, let’s move on to their speeches.” Alison looked at Cade. “Mr. Curtis Fleming, the stage is yours.”
Cade wiped his hands on his slacks before getting the microphone from her.
“Thank you,” Cade uttered. He took a deep breath and faced the audience.
“Good morning, everyone. I am Curtis Fleming. A lot of you knew me as the weakling nerd who got bullied all the time. If I were a celebrity, I could’ve hit the headlines.” Cade grinned. “But some of you knew me as the oppressed who rose against my bullies and brought justice into this institution by revealing the inappropriate behaviors of the former campus president and removing him from his position. My battle was also yours. It was a tough fight. With all the eyes criticizing and belittling me, they put me in the hottest seat.” Cade clenched his fist.
“I admit it scared me because I had nothing but my hope. I was no one but a student who deserved… friends.” Cade sighed.
“I was probably the most hated student when my words were mere accusations. But I proved them wrong. Today, I stand before you as an individual who won against oppression and injustice. I want to be the face of change and braveness. This time, I want to prove that to you by being the next campus president if you allow me. That would be all. Thank you.”
The students applauded him.
“Thank you for your heartfelt message, Mr. Fleming. You are truly an inspiration to everyone. Next is none other than Mr. Dexter Frost,” Alison said.
Dexter waved his hand and smiled at the audience, which made some girls collapse. He cleared his throat as he spoke, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I know I don’t need an introduction. But to the freshmen and transferees, I am Dexter Frost.” His voice was charming. He’s an expert in drawing attention to himself.
“Others always say that I am perfect. I can’t blame them because the evidence is right in front of you. Apparently, I am handsome, smart, and influential. These compliments warm my heart. One night, I wondered what to do with these unique qualities. I enjoy serving you with good visuals, but it would give me the greatest honor to serve you with my leadership skills and creative mind. I need to do something with my attributes and use it to help the school. What would be more perfect than a man who brings exceptional talent, wisdom, and love to the school? Am I right?” He winked.
“If you give me the chance to serve you, I will make sure to be consistent, truthful, and considerate. Because I am Dexter Frost, not just your ideal man, but your ideal president,” he added. Dexter had a noteworthy audience impact.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Frost. Are you still alright, girls?” Alison joked. “Anyway, let’s give a hand to our last candidate, Mr. Stan Carline.”
“Good day, everyone. My name is Stan Carline. Let me give you a little background about myself. I came from Westminster, London and traveled to New York City because of my dream of studying at Mchalmmond High School. Luckily, I passed the entrance exam as the top one. I am eighteen years old and a junior. I am also known as the ace of the Archery Club. As the class representative of grade ten section D, I was exposed to class rep meetings where we discussed the school policies. Mchalmmond is an amazing school, but there is still room for enhancement. And I can be very helpful with that. As an aspiring lawyer, I am thrilled to share with you my passion for this position. That’s all. Thank you.”
The students gave him a round of applause.
“Thank you for that wonderful speech, Mr. Carline. Isn’t he adorable? Don’t get too excited yet because we will have an interview with them later. We will post the interview on our school’s Facebook Page. I hope you already have a grasp of what the candidates are all about.”
***
Stan was answering his textbook when Theo slightly punched his shoulder.
“Hey! You never told me about you running as the campus president!” Theo said as he sat beside him.
“It’s the talk of the town. You should’ve known,” Stan replied.
“I know. But you didn’t consult me about this. Were you being impulsive? Did you think about it for weeks?”
“Don’t worry. I’m certain about this. I can handle it.”
“But you hate attention.”
Stan closed his textbook.
“My journey as a lawyer starts here, Burton. Law School is harder than this. I need to conquer this.”
“But you’ll be going against Cade.”
“That’s the more reason why I have to win. You know how he is. He will take advantage of his position.”
“You’re right. He loves popularity above anything else. I remember how he used to stomp on others before, and we tolerated him.”
“That’s the worst thing we did as his friends.” Stan patted his shoulder. “I’ll be going to the theatre for the interview.”
The students were staring at Stan as he passed by the corridors. They were amused. The longer they observed him, the more they realized his potential and personal magnetism. Stan bumped into Cade along the way.
“Are you testing me?” Cade whispered.
“What?”
“Why are you doing this, Stan?”
“This has nothing to do with you. I should ask you the same question. It seems like you have forgotten that you are undercover. People will talk about you and dig some dirt. They will find out your past in due time.”
They stopped at the entrance of the theatre.
“It’s not your problem anymore, Stan.”
“Then stop talking casually to me. We are supposed to be strangers.”
Stan walked ahead of him and entered the theatre. They set the cameras near the stage. Dexter was already sitting on the red sofa with Alison. They were laughing at each other when Stan arrived.
“Hi,” Stan said.
“Oh, hi. Can we drop the formalities?” Alison said.
“Sure. You can call me Stan.”
“I’m Alison.” They shook their hands.
“And I’m Dexter.”
“Nice to meet you, Dex,” Stan responded.
“Am I not too late?” Cade asked.
“You are on time, Mr. Fleming,” Alison replied.
“Call me Curt.”
The three candidates sat beside one another while Alison had her own chair.
“Think of this as a talk show. Don’t get pressured and answer honestly. Alright?”
The boys nodded.
“I think we’re all set,” Alison said to the cameraman.
“Alright. Let’s get rolling,” the cameraman replied.
“Good morning to all of you boys. How are you feeling right now?” Alison asked.
“I am a bit nervous,” Cade said.
“I’m cool. I’m used to the cameras and I am well-prepared for this day,” Dexter said.
“I am thrilled as always,” Stan said.
Alison nodded. “I can see that this is your first time to run as campus officers, right? This time, I want to know what you think about one another. Let’s start with Dexter.”
“I think Curtis is a good person, and he doesn’t allow anyone to hurt him. He is not a coward. Everyone knows that and I admire him for that. For Stan, I think he is a good competitor. He might not be as famous as me, but I heard a lot of things about him. I heard he was brutally straightforward during class rep meetings. Most of the class reps were intimidated by him,” Dexter said.
“Really? I haven’t heard of that,” Stan said with a hint of embarrassment.
Dexter chuckled. “You are more popular than you think, Stan.”
“Popular? Or you did a background check on me?” Stan teased.
“Come on, dude.”
“I never really cared. You have to tell me more about these rumors, Dex,” Stan said.
“Sure. Let’s grab lunch after this.”
Alison turned to Cade. “What about you, Curt?”
“Hm. I think Dex is everyone’s friend. He is the type of student who knows how to mingle with others well. A social butterfly. He’s close to being an idol,” Cade said.
“Am I not?” Dex said.
“Oh, I’m sorry about that. I’ll join your fan’s club.” They laughed. “Stan is a very serious type of person. He really values his studies. I think his only weakness is being timid, and he seems scary sometimes. I mean the way he looks at people.”
“Me? Scary?” Stan asked. “Maybe you’ve done something wrong. That’s why you misunderstood.”
Cade was muted.
“Well, Stan has that fierce gaze indeed. But I think the girls like his cold aura,” Alison commented.
“Why? Do you like it?” Stan asked.
Alison was tongue-tied. “What was that? Did you just make my heart flutter?” She chuckled.
“Stan has a funny side, after all,” Dexter said.
“So, what do you think about them, Stan?” Alison asked.
“I think Dexter is outgoing, and he deserves to become a star. He is really entertaining to be with. Dex is also smart. The rumors are true. He is perfect.”
Dexter held his chest. “Don’t flatter me, bro.”
“While Curt… He is a nuisance.” Everyone looked at him as if he committed a mistake. “I mean he can be stubborn sometimes. The way he dealt with the issue before wasn’t smooth, but he still made it. That’s what matters. He lacks proper planning. But he has come a long way and has made a name in this institution. He did well.”
“Wow. The rumors are true. You are straightforward,” Alison said.
“I think what Stan is trying to say is that Curt made a critical move. It was too risky and a fifty-fifty situation wherein he could bury himself if things went south,” Dexter said.
“Very well said, Dex,” Stan said.
“Come on, guys. Cut me some slack,” Cade said.
“Alright. Keep it cool, boys. Your next question is if you will become the next campus president, what changes will you make or what are your advocacies? Let’s start with Curtis.”
“Well, I’ll be focusing more on anti-bullying campaigns. The former president started a campaign, but it stopped because he was removed. So, I’d like to continue what he already started with pure intentions and genuine efforts to eradicate bullying from this institution. I will recommend putting CCTV cameras on every corner. I will leave no spot for the bullies to secretly hurt others. I value loyalty the most for someone who had been betrayed multiple times.”
“How about you, Dexter?”
“The students had been afraid of what we call ‘The Judgment Day’ or the day when our rankings are posted. So far, many are still at the bottom. I’d like to focus more on leadership training programs that will test the student’s ability to compete. These programs will help them cope with the school’s standards so that no one will be left behind. My goal is for everyone to at least be Chaplains or be on the top four.”
“Wow. So you’ll emphasize academic integrity,” Alison added.
“Of course. That has been the priority of this institution.”
“What about you, Stan?”
Stan intertwined his fingers. “I will advocate for Mental Health Awareness. In order for the students to reach the standards of the school, they must be mentally prepared. It’s all in the mind. I will create mental health programs to help the students cope with their academic responsibilities, to condition their brains to becoming the best that they can be, and treat pressure as their daily routine so they’ll get used to it. I believe in mind over matter. If you condition your mind to be goal-oriented, anything is possible. In the end, I want everyone to strengthen their Emotional Quotient.”
Alison nodded. “You have a unique perspective, Stan. All of you have what it takes to become the next president.” Alison turned to the camera. “I’m really glad that the candidates are taking this position seriously and they have visions of a better Mchalmmond High School. I hope that by this time, you have already chosen a candidate.”
Alison’s eyes widened. “Ah. By the way, before we end this interview, everybody is curious about your relationship status, Stan.”
Stan fixed his vest. “Are we allowed to talk about relationships here?”
“Not really, but the director will understand. We are not selling you here. Don’t get nervous.” She chortled.
“I’m single for eighteen years,” Stan replied.
“Oh, so you are also an aspiring eligible bachelor. Welcome to the club, Stan,” Dexter said with a high-five.
“Not exactly, but the one will come around soon. I’m too naïve for that,” Stan said.
“Alright. So for the information of everyone, Stan Carline is single and is open to suitors.”
“Oh God,” Stan uttered while covering his face with his hands.
“He’s shy,” Dexter mouthed.
“Anyway, thank you so much for being here, boys. We will see you again for the debate next week.”
The debate would be their last chance to prove themselves worthy of the position. It was the most intense face-off between the candidates where their intellect, patience, and wit would be tested. They would stand before the audience not as friends but as enemies, pulling each other down and looking for loopholes that they may use to ruin one another’s reputation.