Chapter 7
The time had arrived. I sat by Seaweed because we were going alphabetically.
It was time for my speech. I was shaking like an earthquake. Link saw me from where he was. He mouthed this words: You are going to do great.
I went to the podium. I started my speech.
"My name is Tracy. But I guess you already knew that. When I started high school, I didn't have many friends. The only friend I had was Penny. Then just this year, I started dancing on the Corny Collins show. That's not the name of the show any more. I met new friends on the show. I even made friends in detention. These four years of high school for us have been the best of times and the worst of times. We look back and see we have accomplished so much. I know you have and I know I have. We are the class of 1962 and we will be remembered as the class of 1962. Thank you."
I ended my speech.
Everyone clapped. I think Seaweed, Penny, Link, my parents, Maybelle, Corny and Inez were clapping the hardest. Principal Brown handed me the Valedictorian Award. Then it was time for diplomas.
