No not yet Greg said Ms Robinson will probably ask me the same question this afternoon in art class Greg was right Ms Robinson came to his table later that afternoon The other students were busy working on their assignments Greg have you heard anything from the committee She lowered her voice so only he and Alex could hear Nothing yet Greg answered He handed Alex some clay that they had to mold into miniature horses I’m sure you won Greg She beamed at him You are a talented hardworking young man You deserve to win the mural contest Thank you Greg said breathlessly I just wish the wait were over 6
Ms Robinson patted him on the shoulder No worries It’s probably in today’s mail She walked away to help other students Later that day Greg rushed home to see if the letter had arrived He ran up the stairs to the mailbox and threw open the door Nothing Frowning he went inside Greg was about to head upstairs to his room when his grandmother called out Greg a letter just came for you It’s on the kitchen table Greg raced into the kitchen and scooped up the letter His hands trembled as he tore open the envelope Dear Gregory McNair the letter began we apologize for the delay in declaring the winners of the My Dreams of Tomorrow Today mural 7
contest Your submission and another’s tied for fi rst place which resulted in an extended week of deliberation On behalf of the committee we congratulate you on winning the grand prize of a scholarship to the college or private high school of your choice and your painting placed on the wall of the new community center in your neighborhood Yes I won Greg jumped in the air He ran upstairs to tell his grandma Grandma I won Greg held the letter out to her I won Grandma took the letter and pulled Greg in for a hug I knew you could do it Sorry I won’t be here to tell the others when they get home She sat on her bed and read the letter Greg joined her 8
Oh There is a ceremony in two weeks Grandma said There’s going to be a kickoff and a ribbon-cutting ceremony right in front of the wall Since the wall is located in front of the park they are going to plant trees and fl owers on a path leading up to the mural and the back entrance to the community center The mayor is going to be there She grinned at Greg Your picture will be in the paper Grandma squeezed Greg’s arm gently Luckily both Grandpa and I are off that weekend We can help out with the activities Greg smiled nervously and said It’s all so overwhelming I’m going to meet the mayor and have my picture taken What if I have to give a speech 9
