Elizabeth Ramsey climbed the stairs to stand behind the podium. She gazed at the group of boys in front of her. Many wore bandages and casts, or balanced on crutches, bruises and scratches evident on their skin, grief evident on their faces. She shook her head, glancing down to her papers, then set them aside and fixed her gaze on the boys.
"I regret that I must stand here today and address rumors that you have been hearing. As you know, certain circumstances have happened recently. These circumstances have necessitated a serious review by the Board of our school, and they have decided on a verdict. I am distressed to announce the closing of Dalton Academy."
She paused, watching the faces of the boys who could not contain their emotions.
"Many of you have experienced or even participated in the events that compelled Dalton's closure. We lost someone very important to us. I know that you will carry him in your minds and hearts forever. This can never be forgotten. But I must implore you, not to dwell, but to learn. I ask that you do not see this as an ending. Instead, see it as merely a chapter in your lives. Perhaps a very large chapter, perhaps one that was much too brief. I know that Dalton has been incredibly influential in many of your lives. You have made friends here who will always be with you."
Wes weakly punched David. Justin and Charlie exchanged weary smiles.
"You have had experiences that you will never forget."
Blaine glanced at Logan, who nodded in return. Julian grimaced at Derek and received rolled eyes in return.
"You have accomplished things you never imagined you would."
Dwight scowled at the Tweedles' twin grins, but looked down at his amulet and gave a small smile as he mouthed a word. "Alan." Danny glanced from the calligraphy on his wrists to Wes.
"You may even have begun a relationship that will endure long after Dalton has closed its doors."
Kurt squeezed Blaine's hand and Blaine smiled gently. Reed blushed furiously at Shane's beaming grin. Merril rested her head on Spencer's shoulder. Logan looked at Julian, who reluctantly returned the gaze, a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
"This is not the end of the story. This is the time when an old chapter ends and a new one begins. This is the time for you to discover who you really are and make something of yourself. One day, I expect I will hear of the grand accomplishments of every single boy in attendance."
Elizabeth Ramsey stopped to brush away something that looked suspiciously like a tear.
"I have had the great privilege of calling myself your Dean. While we have had our ups and downs, Dalton has been a place of great camaraderie and tolerance. I cannot imagine another school has had so many students find sanctuary within its walls."
Kurt glanced from Blaine, to Dwight, to Logan, to Julian, to Danny, to Wes. So many of his friends. He looked down at his hands. Himself.
"Let your time at Dalton be a lesson to you. This is what you must strive for. In everything that you do, leave a piece of Dalton, and what it stands for. Friendship. Acceptance. Love. Hope. And remember." At this she smiled.
"Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it."