Chapter 9 - Recognition and Redemption
That evening, the awards ceremony was held in the main auditorium.
We sat together as a family in the fifth row. Owen sat between me and his grandmother, his hands tucked neatly in his lap.
The announcer presented awards for honorable mentions, third place, and second place. With every name called that wasn't Owen's, my heart pounded a little faster.
"And finally," the chief judge announced into the microphone, "The First Place Grand Prize for Environmental & Architectural Design goes to... Owen Miller!"
The auditorium erupted into applause.
For a second, Owen didn't move. He just stared at the stage in disbelief.
"That's you, buddy!" I cried, tears spilling over my cheeks as I hugged him tightly.
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Lily and Mason cheered loudly, and Karen was on her feet, clapping with tears in her eyes. Owen stood up slowly, walked up the steps to the stage, and accepted his trophy and a four-year full-tuition scholarship to the University of Architecture and Design.
As he stood at the podium holding his award, he looked out at the audience, caught my eye, and gave me a proud, radiant smile.
