The sun shone brightly on graduation day. The sun's rays temporarily blinded Davanté as he strode across the outdoor stage to receive his diploma. At the sound of his name, his entire family yelled and screamed for him. Davanté could not help but to smile.
He was surrounded by hugs and smiles and handshakes. His friends patted him on the back. His present and former teachers congratulated him for his hard work.
Mrs. Beauchmont had arranged for the graduation to take place outside with Davanté's work as the backdrop. Crowds of people stood spellbound by it. Some backed up to see the entire piece, while other people came close to the wall to gaze inside the rose's petals.
Davanté had impressed himself. It was certainly a masterpiece he was proud of. The school principal approached him with Mrs. Beauchmont in tow. He shook his head in amazement at Davanté.
“This is absolutely amazing! It is just amazing. I never knew we had such an artist at this school! I just never knew. You truly embodied the entire spirit of the GSP. All of us, all of your community has now witnessed your talent, your wisdom, your strength,” said the principal.
Davanté blushed.
“Davanté,” piped in Mrs. Beauchmont. “You never said what the title was. What's the title of your work?” she asked.
“Well, it's about me. It's about my life. It's just 'Being Davanté.' That's it,'” said Davanté.
“Brilliant!” she said, clapping her hands in glee.
“Oh, boy! I was going to tell you later with just you and your auntie, but I just can't hold it in!” said Mrs. Beauchmont.
The school principal nodded for Mrs. Beauchmont to continue.
“Well, I have on my desk a letter from Julliard School for the Arts in New York City. They received a picture of your work and want to offer you a scholarship. They want you to come to their school!” exclaimed Mrs. Beauchmont.
Davanté beamed. He had not even thought much about college. He poured so much of his attention towards graduating, that college was the last thing on his mind.
“I don't know what to say,” said Davanté.
“Say yes, Davanté!” urged the school principal.
Davanté nodded his head in agreement.
“Okay. Yeah, I'll go,” he said.
Mrs. Beauchmont could not contain her excitement. She hugged Davanté in glee. The school principal beckoned Aunt Thelma and Kendra to come near and told them the good news. His family congratulated Davanté repeatedly.
“I knew it! I knew you were a star,” beamed Aunt Thelma.
Clarence wandered over to the family and quickly learned of Davanté's scholarship. He smiled at the teen.
“Man, I'm so proud of you. I am so, so proud of you,” he said.
Clarence hugged Davanté tightly. Davanté could see tears streaming down Clarence's face.
“I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry. You should've never had parents like us. You deserved better than that,” said Clarence.
“Naw, let's just put it behind us. I still need you. I still need…a father,” said Davanté.
Clarence smiled through his tears and hugged his son again.
As the day wound down, Aunt Thelma moved the ceremony to her house. She invited the family, including the school principal, Mrs. Beauchmont, and the Kettles over to celebrate Davanté's success.
Davanté reveled in the adulation. He needed it. It boosted his confidence and left him proud and satisfied with what people saw in him.
Being Davanté Page 16
