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“As you all know, we received a substantial grant for the Real World Specialist program, which has been a resounding success,” Spruce said. “We plan to expand the program next year to include athletics, which means we’ll be bringing in some top-level coaches to help with both JV and Varsity sports.”
Tepid applause filled the air.
“However, the budget allocation means we’ve had to make some difficult choices about our extracurricular programming.” Spruce’s brow furrowed. “Since school theater productions generate less interest than other activities, we’ll unfortunately no longer be able to effectively support and fund the drama club.”
Grace’s heart crashed against her ribs. The students all began talking at once.
“Can you explain that further, please?” she asked tersely.
“It’s quite simple, Miss Berry.” Spruce smiled and shrugged helplessly, as if there were nothing he could do about it. “The school is being forced to cut the drama club from programming. Which means this was your final performance. Great job, by the way.”
“You can’t do that!” called a parent in the audience.
Spruce squinted against the bright lights. “We have no choice, ma’am. I understand some kids like public speaking and whatnot, but they’ll have other opportunities with forensics and debate clubs. Also, all students are welcome to gain teamwork experience through sports.”
“Not all of us like sports!” snapped one of the fairies.
“And some of us want to major in theater,” added Lysander.
“I’m sure you’ll find other replacements.” Spruce gave them an ingratiating smile. “I realize you were able to fund this production through a sizeable donation given to Miss Berry, but we can’t base future programming on unreliable donations.”
“We don’t have to, Principal Spruce.” Grace moved into his space, forcing him to step back from the mic. “As a matter of fact, after you informed me so helpfully that the drama club was in danger of being cut next year, I began researching fundraising opportunities.”
She turned to the audience. “I’ve already contacted Mayor Bowers, who is president of the Ground Hogs gardening club, about a flower bulb fundraiser for the fall. Local businesses are also interested in helping us continue the drama club. Metalworks Hardware has pledged their continued generous support, Jake Ryan has agreed to come in and provide acting lessons, and Title Wave Books has offered to supply the scripts for next year’s play. Which, by the way, will be a production ofMuch Ado About Nothing.”
Cheers erupted from the students, and the audience rose to its collective feet with roaring applause and whistles.
Spruce smiled thinly and spoke into the mic. “That’s very enterprising and optimistic of you, Miss Berry, but extracurricular clubs must be sponsored by the school. They also must have an official faculty advisor whofollows the ruleswith regard to authorized funds and donations. Since you haven’t done that, you won’t be eligible to advise the drama club next year, which…as I’ve sadly stated…will not be part of school programming.”
“Excuse me, Principal Spruce. I have a question for you.” Brooke Castle suddenly stood from an aisle seat and climbed the steps to the stage. She smiled at the audience and gave a little wave. “Brooke Castle, investigative reporter forThe Bliss Cove Gazette.”
A hushed silence fell over the auditorium as the audience members resumed their seats.
Spruce backed up a step. “Excuse me, Miss Castle. This is a school event.”
“I purchased a ticket and have a right to be here.” Brooke strode to the mic and eyed him narrowly. “Principal Spruce, if Miss Berry is forbidden from collecting generous donations from our wonderful community, does that mean you’ll be returning the drama club money you reallocated to cover the football team’s debts, which were accrued under your administrative leadership?”
Spruce’s gaze fluttered from Brooke to Grace and back again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I’m talking about your creative bookkeeping. I’ve contacted every member of the school board about your budget practices and the fact that this school clearly lacks the internal controls to keep you from allocating money unethically.”
“I have done no such thing,” Spruce snapped.
“The numbers tell a different story,” Brooke retorted. “And the school board is hiring an independent auditor to investigate the accounts. We’ll soon know exactly where the money, including the funds belonging to the drama club, has gone. I’ve heard rumors about questionable football clinics and monetary incentives.”
“Rumors are not fact.”
“And my job is to provide evidence of thefacts,” Brooke replied, “one of which involves a catastrophic failure of budget safeguards. I’m sure you won’t mind answering some important questions about your financial practices so we can report all the factual details.”
“Sorry about the interruption, folks.” Spruce turned abruptly toward the audience with a forced smile. “We’ll have to wrap it up here. Thank you all for coming and goodnight.”
He stalked offstage. Brooke gave Grace a smirk and rushed after him.
Grace turned to the shocked audience. She couldn’t let the night end like this. She lifted her arms and remarked cheerfully, “All the world is indeed a stage.”
The audience chuckled in relieved amusement.
“As our favorite playwright also said, fare thee well,” she continued. “‘The elements be kind to thee and make thy spirits all of comfort. Fare thee well!’”
