As soon as Mirabe''s final exam results hit the news, Mr. Hammond was on the phone first thing the next morning, eager to get her on camera. The local education board even went all out, preparing a cash prize for her, along with a certificate of honor and a big banner dering her the top schr of the year.


    After all, there''s only one valedictorian each year, and this year, Ashford was basking in the glory. The rewards and recognition were all part of the deal.


    Delh and Shawn, Mirabe''s proud parents, were also invited to Parkside High School. They even had a little chat with the head of the education board, who couldn''t stop singing their praises.


    But Mirabe wasn''t the only one there for the filming; Vincent was there too. Though Vincent didn''t seem all that thrilled.


    Pinning the Parkside High School badge onto her chest, Mirabe turned to Vincent, "You don''t look too happy. Did the valedictorian title slip away?"


    Vincent rubbed his temples, "By just one point!"


    Had it been a five-point gap, he could''ve brushed it off, but missing out by just one point was a bitter pill to swallow.


    "Just yesterday, I was thanking Queen Mira for giving us science majors a fighting chance, and now... I still didn''t make it to the top. Ended up being the runner-up," he sighed.


    "And who clinched the first spot?" Mirabe asked, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.


    "Jack," Vincent replied, deted.


    Mirabe nodded, "He''s a toughpetitor."


    Vincent managed a wry smile, "Tell me about it. My luck''s just terrible."


    Just then, Anthony called them over for the filming, putting an end to their conversation.


    The filming was pretty standard fare-sharing positive learning experiences since it was going to be broadcast on TV. The script was all prepared by the station.


    Half an hourter, after wrapping up her segment, Mirabe stepped outside to find Mr. Hammond waiting for her, all smiles. As she approached, they started chatting in the corridor.


    "Congrattions on bing the valedictorian," Mr. Hammond said, marveling. Who would have thought that just a year ago, this exceptional student wasn''t even at Parkside High School?


    "A perfect score, that''s something we haven''t seen in years."


    Mirabe nodded her thanks.


    Mr. Hammond nced at her and added, "With your final exam results out, I bet you''ve got schools lining up for you. You''re nning on Prestige College, right?”


    While Prestige College was the top choice nationwide, there were several other universities just as prestigious, each with their unique gship programs, offering a plethora of options.


    "Unless something unexpected happens, it''s going to be Prestige College," Mirabe confirmed.


    Mr. Hammond seemed relieved at her answer. The question was, in part, because Prestige College had been calling him non-stop, practically begging for this information. After a moment''s thought, he asked, "Have you decided on your major yet?"


    "Biology," Mirabe responded without hesitation.


    Her interesty solely in human gics, a field she was eager to explore.


    Mr. Hammond raised an eyebrow, "Did Wade recruit you?"


    That man had been avoiding his calls for a while, only for Mr. Hammond to find


    out he had been blocked. Absolutely baffling.


    Mirabe just smiled, "It''s always been my focus."


    Nodding, Mr. Hammond recalled Wade mentioning his desire to mentor a noteworthy student. "Wade thinks highly of you. Make a good impression once you''re there. If you get to work with him, you''re sure to learn a lot."


    Mirabe hummed in acknowledgment, more focused on the path ahead than the des of the moment.