“The future social worker who never accepted recognition for anything she did.”
Tears filled my eyes before I realized they were falling.
She reached into the envelope.
“The Harper Foundation had already selected our National Humanitarian Scholar this year.”
She handed me an official certificate.
“The committee voted unanimously.”
I looked down.
My hands trembled.
It included a full graduate-school scholarship…
Housing assistance…
A research grant…
And a stipend large enough to support Noah and me for the next three years.
The audience erupted into applause.
This time it wasn’t polite.
People stood.
One after another.
Faculty.
Students.
Parents.
Even graduates waiting for their own diplomas.
Within seconds the entire auditorium was standing.
Everyone except Marlene.
Everyone except Vanessa.
