Part 12
Kevin and the whole group arrived at the school and were shown to the auditorium. Classes were being brought down and seated as they found an area near the stage so pictures of Scott could be taken. There were teachers who recognized Kevin and Brian and spoke to the two men, expressing their condolences to Kevin. Jerald's class had been coming in when they arrived and his teacher, knowing Kevin and Brian, had instructed him to go sit with them.
"I don't see a lot of parents," commented Howie.
"Yeah, I know," commented Kevin with a shrug. "I wasn't about to disappoint Scott."
"I agree."
Everyone got settled and the principal came out to speak to Kevin and Brian.
"Gentlemen, it's so good to see you both here," greeted Mr. Edwards.
"It's good to see you too," replied Brian.
"Kevin, I want to express my deepest condolences for your loss. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Just keep an eye on Jerald and Scott."
"I can assure you, their teachers are. You know Mrs. Leary who is Scott's Language Arts teacher. She graduated with you. You also know Mrs. Thomas. She was a first year teacher when you were here."
"I do know them both," acknowledged Kevin. "I promise to be very involved when I'm around and will try to get up here to have lunch with them and meet with their teachers."
"Can I ask a favor of you two and your friends?"
"Sure."
"Would you be able to do the National Anthem?"
Kevin looked around to the other three, "What do you think?"
All of them agreed and followed the principal up on stage leaving Taylor with Jerald and his mother.
Mr. Edwards brought the crowd to order. "I would like to welcome you all to today's special assembly. We are very privileged to welcome the Backstreet Boys to our assembly as well. As some of you know, especially the teachers, Kevin and Brian are alumni of our school. Let's start with our Pledge of Allegiance and then the Backstreet Boys will perform our National Anthem."
The entire auditorium stood for the Pledge and when they were done, they remained standing and Nick got the group on key. The five men performed the National Anthem together. When it was over, everyone cheered for them as they returned to their seats.
Mrs. Leary came to the microphone. "Thank you, Kevin, Brian, and the rest of the group. Now, for the whole reason we are here today. Every year, Kentucky hosts a writing contest and any fifth grade student is eligible to enter. This year, I decided that I was going to enter every single one of my students not knowing what the results would be but knowing every one of my students deserved a chance. These essays were written near the beginning of the year and none of them had any clue that I was doing it. We worked for two weeks on these essays and when I took them up, read each one, I was so proud of the work they had done. The results came in about two weeks ago which we all know was a difficult time for our community. Out of the 45 entries, we had five students who were recognized, more than any other school in the state. To make it even better, we had the first place winner in those five. Today, each student is going to read their essays for you. The first four earned 'Honorable Mention' and the last will be the first place winner."
With that, Mrs. Leary introduced each child before they read and then had them move off to the side so that the awards could be presented all at once. It was time for the last essay…Scott.
"The first place winner is Scott Richardson."
Scott moved to the microphone, his paper in his hand. He wasn't nervous but he was struggling because of the topic. Closing his eyes, he said a silent prayer. He felt hands on his shoulders and presence near him. He didn't have to look, he knew it was Tyler standing with him giving him the courage to do this. He opened his eyes and looked at Kevin who put his hand over his heart.
In Kevin's arms, Taylor pointed to Scott as he prayed and said, "Mama!!"
Kevin hugged her close, quietly saying, "Shh, TayTay!"
Standing up straight, like Tyler had always taught him to do, Scott started to read his paper. "Everyone picks a famous person as their hero. I'm like everyone in that respect except, they aren't my heroes because they are famous. They are my heroes because of the love they share with Jerald, Taylor, me, and all of their family, friends ... .with the whole world. My heroes are my parents - Kevin and Tyler Richardson. Now, EVERYONE knows my dad, Kevin, and you might say my mother isn't famous but if you've seen my dad and the rest of my 'uncles' dance, then my mom IS famous because she teaches them all their dances for their shows.
My dad is my hero because he didn't have to be my dad. He isn't my biological father but he was with my mother the day the doctor confirmed that she was pregnant with me; he was by her side when I was born; he was by my side when I got sick right after my birth, and he has been by my side ever since. He has loved me, encouraged me, and taught me life lessons. Not once has he ever gotten angry with me and said, 'you aren't my son'. Instead, when he punishes me, he says, 'because you are my son'.
My other hero is my mother. My mother is a fighter for the ones she loves. She fought to protect my father and my uncles for four months enduring nasty things being said about her and being done to her simply because she loved them. She endured separation from them and the rest of her family. She fought for my dad to just be my dad. She fought for me to have a loving father to help her raise me.
Now, my parents fight together to raise Jerald, Taylor, and me to be humble despite our father's fame, to be courageous in the face of difficult times, and to be gracious in all situations. They don't simply say to be that way; they show us through their actions and words. When we do wrong, they don't yell and scream at us but instead, they shower us with even more love despite the grounding we get.
My parents' unconditional love is why they are and always will be my heroes."
Scott stepped back from the microphone, a soft smile on his face, and whispered to himself, 'Thank you, Mama'.
There were no dry eyes in the audience, including Kevin.
Mrs. Leary moved back to the microphone. "Scott, you have truly shown this morning that your parents have definitely raised you to be courageous. Thank you for sharing your winning essay."
Scott moved over with his classmates, still smiling softly, and Mr. Edwards joined her once more on the stage and presented each student with their awards making sure that pictures were taken of each one.
"I want to thank everyone for today and Mrs. Leary for taking a chance on all of your students. Teachers, you may return to your classrooms with your students and we will resume our normal schedule at this time."
Jerald gave Kevin and Ann hugs before he rejoined his class and the others stood to wait for Scott.
"Son, are you okay?" asked Ann.
"I'm fine, Mama. Here comes Scott," and Kevin moved to take Scott in his arms, hugging him tight. Softly, he said, "Your mother and I are sooo proud of you, Scott. You were extremely courageous reading that after all that has happened."
"She gave me that courage, Daddy. She was standing with me through it all."
"I know, son…I know."
The rest of the 'family' all congratulated Scott on his win and took pictures of him with Kevin and Mrs. Richardson as well as Howie and Mrs. Dorough.
"Daddy, Jerald and I are going to ride the bus home this afternoon."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes sir. It's time for us to get back to our normal routine."
"We'll all be at the house when you get there. Have a good rest of your day," and Kevin kissed the top of his son's head.
"Geez, Dad!! Do you HAVE to do that in public?" grumbled Scott eliciting laughs from everyone, including Kevin.
"Yes, I do. I love you, son. Now, go to class."
With a hug for Taylor, Scott went to rejoin his class.
