"Ladies and gentlemen, honored students and faculty, staff of Chilton, may I have your attention please." Headmaster Charleston stood before the students, teachers, and a few guests. "I now present to you our four students who will be competing in this year's Chilton Speech Competition. First up is Donald Seymour, a junior from Mrs. Eddlesworth's class."

Donald, a tall, bespectacled boy, made a speech about the environment. It was obviously very well researched, and the judges made quick marks on their papers.

Second was Nancy Parker, a freshman who made a speech about the treatment of animals in Connecticut, and how to help the "Save the Animals Fund."

Third was senior Michael Corr. He gave a speech about graduating from Chilton, and what it meant to him. Suck-up, Rory thought. He only did that because he knows he'll get extra points.

"And now, Miss Rory Gilmore, a sophomore, from Mr. Medina's class."

Rory stood, adjusted her note cards, and headed for the podium. "Good afternoon, students, judges, faculty. I wish to give a short speech about an amazing girl and one of my heroes."

She cleared her throat, and began, "Annie Ecclesall is fifteen years old. When she was first born, Annie was like any other girl. But soon after her fourth birthday, her nervous system began to shut down, and her spinal cord was paralyzed. This was due to a genetic disease called Roondalev's.

"Annie is an amazing person. Though she is almost fully paralyzed, she insists on doing things for herself, and can almost do all of the necessary things in life. Because her arms aren't strong enough, she cannot lift herself into her wheelchair, however. But this is one of her shortcomings, and there are many, many more things Annie is wonderful at.

"Besides being a giving, caring person, Annie is smart, funny, and kind. She is understanding. But many people consider her to be stupid, just because she is in a wheelchair. This is a common prejudice, and some members of my own family believe it. Thankfully, there are people in the world who don't believe it, and they are the best people in the world.

"Think for one moment. What would your life be like if you were in a wheelchair? How would people treat you? You couldn't walk, or participate in gym class, dance, or even belong to a sports team. I would like to share with you a verse now that I think will make a lot of sense.

" 'In life, we are all dancing for someone. We may be dancing forever, or not for so long. But dancing is just a form of walking. And we all dance. Who are you dancing for?' This quote was said by a woman named Bernadette Royal. Annie is dancing for someone. Annie is dancing for everyone, but no one is watching her. Please, watch Annie dance. She is remarkable. Thank you."

Rory stepped down from the podium.

Thunderous applause filled the hall. The judges were writing on their pads of paper. Headmaster Charleston stepped to the front of the hall and said, "Now, the judges have made their final decisions." He took a sheet of paper from one of the judges. "In fourth place, Nancy Parker, with her speech on fair treatment for animals."

Applause filled the hall for Nancy, who stood to receive her ribbon.

"In third place, Donald Seymour, with an excellent speech on the environment."

Donald beamed as he received his ribbon.

"And in second place, Michael Corr with his speech 'Graduating from Chilton.'"

Michael scowled. Whatever happened to first place? he thought to himself.

Rory was stunned. What did this mean? She had won! She won the speech contest!

"And in first place, Rory Gilmore, with her outstanding speech on Annie Ecclesall."

Rory stood, her mind still numb. What? She had won?

Headmaster Charleston pinned the first-place blue ribbon on Rory's blazer.

Whoa, Rory thought. Did I win?

The reality didn't set in until the next day.