Will give The Governor’s Visit

1

When Debonville Middle School was named a state Blue Ribbon School, Governor Thompson announced that he would present the award in person to the students and staff at a school assembly. Mrs. Aldridge, who taught English, gave this homework assignment to her classes: write an essay describing one aspect of the governor’s visit.

2

The night after the assembly, Kandra was brainstorming ideas for her essay, when she began to laugh. She remembered the mix-up between the governor’s security guards and Josh McGurdy. Kandra wrapped up her brainstorming and wrote this essay.

3

The first thing I noticed at the assembly was people in black suits, scurrying around like ants. One big man, who was stationed next to the stage’s steps, prevented people from going up the steps. He looked like a policeman directing traffic.

4

The next thing I noticed was Josh McGurdy, the student council president. He was supposed to sit on the stage, but when he came to the steps, the big man would not let him pass. I could see them talking, and even though I couldn’t hear them, I imagined Josh insisting, “But I’m supposed to be up there. You’ve gotta let me through.”

5

It was not to be, so Josh turned and left the auditorium. He was gone for a few minutes before he reappeared with Mrs. Frawley, the student council advisor. She and Josh both talked to the big man for several minutes, but the big man shook his head and held his hands up as though he were saying, “Orders are orders.”

6

As the band began to play the school song, signaling the beginning of the program, a line of official-looking men and women filed on stage. When they sat down, it became apparent that one chair was empty. Then Mr. Garcia, our principal, went to the podium and made an announcement: “Josh McGurdy, if you are out there, would you please come to the stage?”

7

Josh just so happened to be right next to the big man who had barred him from the stage. He looked up as if to say, “Excuse me, sir.”

8

The big man moved aside like an automatic door, and Josh strolled onto the stage in triumph.

9

The following week, Mrs. Aldridge returned the essays to her students. As Kandra looked over her paper, Mrs. Aldridge spoke to the class. “I usually ask one student to read his or her essay out loud to the class. But today, I have chosen two. Gilberto’s paper does a nice job of summarizing the purpose of the Blue Ribbon award. Gilberto, will you read for us?”

10

Gilberto stood up and read his essay; it reminded Kandra of all the things she did not include in her own essay. After he finished reading, Mrs. Aldridge spoke again, “The second essay is very unlike Gilberto’s, but I’ll let you judge its merits for yourselves. Kandra, will you read for us?”

11

As Kandra read, her classmates giggled and laughed, and Mrs. Aldridge smiled all the while.

This story includes both first person and third person narration. Explain the difference between the points of view in the two parts of the story.
Use details from both parts to support your explanation.