12th grader Ponyboy stood in awe and wonder, staring at the letter that would change his life forever.

His brothers and Steve and Two-Bit (visiting the Curtis' new apartment) waited in suspense, with cotton in their mouths and their hearts beating like the feet of cheetahs.

"So what does it say?" Soda finally demanded.

"It states I've won a full-tuition scholarship to the Santa Fe New Mexico University of Arts and Design!" exclaimed Ponyboy, when he was finally able to speak.

Soda ran to embrace him, Two-Bit whooped with delight, Steve applauded and Darry tousled his hair and said "Congratulations, little buddy, I'm so proud of you," and gave him a big hug.

Yet, this was only the beginning of their elation.

For Ponyboy, looking radiant in his royal blue cap and gown on his graduation day soon after, opened not only many a well-wishing graduation card from brothers, buddies and classmates, plus Red Lobster and Barnes & Noble gift cards from Soda; he also opened not just one, but two $350 checks, one from Ashley, the organist at their church, and one from Darry.

"You saved all this just for me?" inquired Ponyboy, incredulously. (The Curtis family and their friends had to count all their dollars carefully).Darry nodded. "I didn't want you to have to be unable to use your scholarship money, as I was (see the original Outsiders novel), so I thought you could use some extra. Of course mine was only a partial tuition scholarship anyway, but still."

The two embraced, and soon there was a big group hug going on between Darry, Ponyboy, Soda, Steve, Two-Bit and even Mrs. Matthews and Kate Matthews, with lots of claps on the back for Ponyboy.

"Let's party!" Two-Bit finally cheered; and they had a big feast with strawberry and blueberry lemonade, baked potato chips, and a giant chocolate cake Mrs. Matthews had secretly purchased from the bakery at the nearby grocery store.