This entry is one of many detailing what occurred in a few short hours. Get your popcorn ready.
We walked into the building. To the left was an unmanned desk, directly in front were a set of elevators, and we didn't know which way to go. I remembered in our literature there being something about the second floor, so we went into the elevator. As the door opened to the 2nd level we knew we weren't in the right place, back down we went. We got off at the first floor, turned left and found a set of double doors. Standing outside was a woman and a screaming child. I couldn't understand what she was saying, but "Stop all that crying!!" translates very well. We cold hear muffled microphone talk and entered the room.
Straight ahead was a group of about 40 students on stage. To the left a podium with a woman reading names, a gentleman front and center shaking hands with, posing and presenting awards to the students. We were too late. Sitting in the back row a woman dressed in all black summoned us over. "Is she a recipient?" "Yes." "Is she here for King Sejong award or Hunminjeongeum award?" In my nervousness I replied, "That one", referring to Hunminjeongeum. She then says, "She'd better get on stage, that's what is being presented now." As she talked I was reading the list she had in hand and noticed Naysia's name under King Sejong. This was a great discovery for two reasons:
1. King Sejong's group would be awarded next
2. Hunminjeongeum recipients were getting $100 scholarships, King Sejong recipients were getting $200.
I pointed out Naysia's name under the second group. She told us to have a seat and Naysia would go to the stage with the next group. We found a seat on the far left. Naysia, feeling like she was overdressed, wanted to change shoes. She had put on her heels in the car and now wanted flats. I refused to let her wear her teal Converse. We ended up switching shoes.
About ten minutes into sitting, her group was summoned. Approximately 30 students walked on stage. She retreated to the back row. Now I'm that mom standing in the far left aisle, trying not to be in the way, but determined to get some good pictures.
There was no time for long, drawn out speeches. They immediately dove into calling students names. Proud parents cheer kids on. Grandparents clap. Little sisters and brothers squeal. I'm thinking out my cheer strategy. I don't want to embarrass her too much but she has to hear me. Meanwhile the camera is propped perfectly, finger on the trigger, waiting. Name number 15 is called, 'Danisha', I got ready to snap, Naysia got ready to walk up then quickly realized it wasn't her name. We made eye contact and smiled a little. She later told me the kid next to her laughed a little at the same time. Name number 29 is called, it still isn't Naysia. Then the moderator says, "Congratulations students!" What???!!!!! Oh hell no! I didn't want to get crazy mom up in there....but what about Naysia?!!! Simultaneously Naysia has the same 'Oh hell no face' going on and begins to stir. The award presenter quietly tells the moderator "We missed someone". "What's your name?" Moderator frantically searches through names and certificates.
"Tenaysia La Shawn Powell. Magee Middle School. And she's all the way here from Tucson, Arizona"
Naysia shuffled front and center. Received her award. The crowed roared.
And all I got was one fuzzy picture.
The students were all called to the stage for a group photo, dinner immediately followed.
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