Mr. B places something small on the floor center stage, then gives it a little nod. The object grows in size, revealing a tall wooden podium. After the podium is set up, he pulls a green-and-black DictaFire ball from his pocket.

“Hi, everyone. Hope you’re all having a great day so far,” Mr. B says, flashing an easy smile out at the audience. The DictaFire flies through the air, leaving behind a trail of floating green fire that spells out the word Welcome in six-foot-tall letters. “Glad you were willing get to school early for this lame old meeting.”

I would do anything to win this scholarship. Showing up to school early is nothing. If I don’t win, my chances of getting into Willington will be slim to none. I might not get in anywhere I apply next year and have to apply again. And again. And again. If it takes too long for me to be admitted to a licensing college, I might have to consider a non-licensing one. Which means the chances of me making real money and paying back my parents for everything they’ve done for me are small. All their sacrifices will be for nothing.

I give myself a tiny shake. Stop spiraling, Shay. Pay attention.

“Every year the committee for the Brockton Scholarship gets together and selects one of T. K. Anderson’s most promising students to be the recipient of this incredible opportunity,” he says. “Now, we’re not looking for a candidate who just has good grades. We’re looking for a well-rounded candidate. One who truly exemplifies all that T. K. Anderson has to offer. One who embodies the pillars of the Brockton Scholarship.”

I could name all of these pillars in my sleep. It takes true self-control for me to not mouth along with Mr. B as he lists them.

“Dedication, Academic Excellence—” The DictaFire spells out each of the pillars in the air as he says them. “Magical Excellence, Service, and Falcon Spirit.” Some joker cacaws from behind me, and Mr. B smiles in amusement. “Exactly,” he says. “That’s what we’re looking for right there.”

The falcon is T. K. Anderson’s mascot, so what he means is that they’re looking for someone who is involved in activities at school.

Even before this meeting started, I knew I wasn’t going to get much new information from my third time around, but as Mr. B continues talking, I realize that I could probably give the presentation myself. After I went to the meeting my freshman year, I brought home copious notes, and Mom sat me down to figure out a plan for the next three years. Everything I’ve done since then has been planned to make my application perfect.