I’M GREETED WITH CHEERS AND BOOS FROM THE AUDIence as I take my place next to Justin on the stage. The families from Winston Academy are sitting on the left, most of them dressed in red and yellow. On the right, people hold signs saying, AMERICAN RIVER IS A WINNER! On Winston’s side I see Principal Allen sitting in the front row, right next to my parents. Flashes of white light twinkle like shooting stars as Zack poses for pictures with the judges. While I wait, I step back a couple paces and glance backstage. Kelsey is standing in the wings, talking on her cell phone. Please, please, please let Derek and the Glitter Girls be here, I think, trying not to panic. Because I have no idea what I’m going to do if we’re short two acts. Once the pictures are finished, Zack moves to center stage. “We’ve got a great show planned for you tonight! To celebrate our fortieth anniversary, tonight’s winning school will receive some fabulous prizes! The winning Talent Team will appear next week on Good Morning, Maple Oaks, and the entire school will receive a private concert with our favorite hometown band, Shattered Stars!”
