We went to meet other friends most of whom are in Angie's class, the others being from the press club. They were all very nice to me.
"You should probably join the press club. We belong to the club". A girl named Rhyme said.
"I don't think the press is really my thing".
"It is okay if you don't want to join the club. I mean you don't have to because we are members". Angie said.
"No, it's not a problem. I will think about it and get back to you".
"No problem".
"Thanks".
"Anytime".
"So.....you want to hang out with us after school. Angie and I have plans". Rhyme said.
"Really" I sounded really excited. It was the first time I had something fun doing after school.
"Yes". Angie said.
"That is if you won't rather hang out with the cool kids".
"Oh, I don't actually hang out with them. Not at all".
"Really?".
"Yes.Thanks for letting me hang out with you anyways".
"The more the merrier". Angie seems to be the nicest of them all.
"Let me have your number so we can add you on WhatsApp group". Reggie offered.
"Really. You have a WhatsApp group. Wow!".
"Yes, we do". Angie said cheerfully.
"Isn't it supposed to be for your classmates only".
"We do have one for online press club meeting every Monday for members only and another one for friends generally. We will add you to the BFF group".
"Ok then". I said and gave them my number.
"Silence!". A loud commanding voice said.
We all looked at the speaker. It was Principal McAllister.
"Line up students".
Everyone obeyed instantly. Principal McAllister must be really strict to command this level of respect from the students. I wouldn't blame her for being strict though, students like Kim could make one seem incompetent or incapable. The hall was so silent that one could hear a pin drop.
She walked from one student to another and looked at them. I noticed that when she looks at each student, he or she avoided eye contact. She walked past about thirty students before she got to me.
"Ms Jesus". She said and looked at me.
"Yes ma," I said lowering my gaze.
"I haven't gotten the time to meet with you. Too bad though. Welcome to Duncan high".
I kept quiet. I didn't know what to say in response. She walked right past me and inspected other students. After she had satisfied herself with her inspection process, she walked to the podium and began her announcement.
"We have had enough and by we I mean the teachers and entire staff and even the community. You are supposed to be role models to the junior students instead you are laying a bad example and me as an individual won't let this happen. The main aim is for you all to be here, learn, impact in your junior ones and make us all proud when you leave this school. Enough of shenanigans, enough of wasting all teacher's effort, enough of being an embarrassment to your parents. In all my ten years of classroom experience and seven years of being the principal, I can say authoritatively that you are the worst final year set ever."
She paused for about a minute before she continued.
"Raise your hand if you have a dream".
Multiple hands were raised.
"Amen"
"Amen," We answered in unison.
"Silence". "This is not only about Amen. It's about determination, focus, perseverance and a lot more. I want a future for all of you. I want the end of the high school hierarchy. The only form of leadership should be among the school staff. I have received reports and petitions strongly violating the school's anti-bullying policy. Putting one and one together, I realized something, final year Arts A is the major problem of this school. I don't want to mention names but I believe you all know what am driving at. This realization led me to a decision".
She paused again.
"Final year Arts A will cease to exist"The bombshell fell. She really isn't going to expel us all or is she?
"Tomorrow is declared a lesson free day for all final year students. At exactly seven in the morning, students will be called individually to the counsellor's office. Further decisions will be made based on the outcome of your visit to the counsellor. Remember, lateness will not be tolerated. It's time to put an end to high school hierarchy once and for all". She alighted the podium and exited the hall.
The announcement left everyone dumbfounded.