SWNOVELS Chapter 9: Scholarship
"I'd like to enroll my kids, please," said Samantha to the registration office of the North Bright Academy. She handed the check as payment, together with the enrollment form of her twins, plus the online
evaluation her kids had taken long before they moved to Braeton.
The academy offered an online discussion and assessment, facilitated live by one of their teachers, as an option for students who are enrolling from other cities. This was the primary reason Samantha chose the North Bright Academy.
She noticed how the lady in charge was taken aback by the paper in her hand, and the same woman stood up to make a phone call a few meters away from the counter where Samantha patiently waited. When the lady returned, Samantha was told, "Miss Davis, you can take the children to their teacher. They are both assigned to K1 Kindness. A teacher assistant will be with you shortly to accompany you." "When you return, the principal would like to speak to you," said the lady from the school's registrar's office.
"Ummm... That's it?" Samantha asked, utterly perplexed.
"Yes! Your kids are officially enrolled. After your discussion with the principal, we can cover the books and other things your children will need," added the lady. "Okay, that's great! Thank you so much!" Said Samantha.
Samantha and her children arrived at the classroom, already in the middle of the discussion. Still, they were warmly welcomed and introduced to all eight other students who were present. After seeing that Kenzie and Kyle were settled, Samantha returned to the school's administration building. As earlier instructed, she went straight to the principal's office.
As soon as Samantha walked into her office, the principal had nothing but a smile on her face, and she extended her hand outright. Pointing to the seat in front of her desk, Zara said, "Please, take a seat, Miss Davis."
"Good morning, Miss Davis. My name is Zara Kholi. I am the principal of North Bright Academy and have been for two years now," said the middle-aged woman who had a wonderful brown glow on her skin. "Miss Kholi -"
"Oh, I wish, I am still a miss, but I am already married," corrected the principal.
"I'm sorry. Mrs. Kholi," Samantha quickly retracted. "It's nice to meet you, and may I just compliment the warm and friendly vibe the school offers? And I'm rather surprised that your enrollment process is so quick and so smooth!"
"We, Miss Davis, we remembered your children to have scored the highest during the online evaluation, and given Kenzie's and Kyle's marks during nursery, we knew they were special. In fact, that is the reason why we called you over," said Mrs. Kholi.
"We actually offer a scholarship program for children whose parents work for The Wright Diamond Corporation. If you want your children to try it, they can take the scholarship exam," suggested the principal. "Wow!" Samantha exclaimed. "That would be great! Sure! I'm sure they will do great!"
Samantha was confident of her kid's unusual brilliance. In fact, the previous school where her kids were enrolled suggested they skip levels, but Samantha did not want her children to miss out on all the good fun, experiencing what it was like to be a child.
"Well then, we can have Kyle and Kenzie take the exam after their class," the principal said.
An hour passed, and Samantha's twins were asked to remain in their classroom. They took the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale and Classroom Assessment Scoring System exams.
A teacher facilitated both assessments whereby the twins were presented with situational problems to solve, aside from a written exam that covered lessons in their age group.
In just a little over half an hour, both were done. The twins passed with flying colors, especially Kyle. It was clear to the teachers who aided the assessments that the twins were mature and more knowledgeable for their age.
Both Kenzie and Kyle easily received praises from the teachers and high recommendations.
Kenzie did more chitchat with the teacher in charge of her evaluation, and thus, they took more time in the assessment. It was typical of Kyle to be direct to the point with his answers and conversations. Thus, he finished first.
They were granted the scholarship, and Samantha received back the check she had earlier surrendered as an enrollment fee. She could not believe her luck! Back in Monroe, there were no scholarship programs available for preschoolers.
It would seem as though returning to Braeton was not such a bad idea after all. Not only was she offered a high-paying job, but she also had a free home and free tuition for her kids!
Samantha was so ecstatic that she reported the good news to John, eagerly calling him on the phone while she was still at school. Fortunately for her, John Garcia was free to take his call, as it was already lunchtime.
"Miss Davis, it's nice to hear from you. What can I help you with?" John asked on the other line.
"Mr. Garcia! I did not know that the North Bright Academy offered scholarships for children of The Wright Diamond Corporation employees! And guess what? My kids were offered the option. They took the exams, and they passed!" Samantha shared before she explained, "I only have to pay for miscellaneous and the books, but they said I could arrange it to be deducted from my salary. So... I can give you back the check later on!"
"A scholarship?" John asked. "I - I did not know that we have that either! Haha! Well, I don't have a child, and perhaps I did not bother inquiring. I'm sorry, Miss Davis. This should have been an option I could have shared with you."
"It's okay. It's not your fault. I was told that it was a new employee benefit!" Samantha added. "Hah! Talk about timing!"
"Anyway, Miss Davis, there is no hurry to return the check. My offer still stands - " John's words were suddenly cut off. Samantha heard John practically choke, and a few seconds of silence followed without notice.
"Mr. Garcia? Are you there?" Samantha asked.
It took some time, but the next thing John said was, "But if you would like, you can come by the company later. It's up to you - I mean... you should come over!"
"Of course! Of course! I'll just take the kids out for lunch, and we'll go straight back to your office," Samantha responded. She gasped before saying, "Mr. Garcia, thank you so much for this opportunity. It would sound like being part of the Wright Diamond Corporation is doing me good. Please extend my gratitude to Mr. Wright."
"Actually, Miss Davis... Since you are coming here... why don't you... tell him yourself," proposed John.
"Yes! Absolutely - I mean, if someone as busy as him can... can find time for a mere employee like me." Samantha humbled herself, realizing her place. She stuttered as she let out her words.
"Oh, you don't worry about that, Miss Davis. Who knows? Mr. Wright may be expecting you - I mean, I'll let him know you are coming to see him. I'll pencil you in his schedule... say about two in the afternoon?" Responded John.
"Is that okay? I imagine his day is already full. I'd hate to impose," Samantha made sure she was not stepping in on any company policy.
"It's fine, Miss Davis. He looks forward to seeing you - I mean... I look forward to seeing you," John replied.
Samantha let out an audible laugh. She always found John Garcia amusing when he would mix up his words. Before bidding goodbye, she said, "Great! Thanks again for taking my call, Mr. Garcia! Enjoy your lunch!"