The Devilbiss Award- it was within my grasp, inches from my fingertips and like a ghost it vanished.  Like a cookie about to be devoured by a pudgy boy who hasn't even had dinner yet, it was taken away from me.  Like trash, I was cast aside- the award, in case you haven't figured it out, was given to someone else. I didnt' win it.  I wrote a good essay but apparently it wasn't about the essay.  It was about the essay writer.

And they don't want no GAY writers representing the school.  At least that's what I inferred from Mr. Ladue when he explained to me why I hadn't won the award.  What else could he mean by that?  I wrote a damn good essay- the best according to everyone- I'm a good, clean cut kid, I get good grades, I'm on the flippin' basketball team- how do I not represent the school positively?

Oh right.  I like men.  I almost forgot.

As if I don't have enough reminders from people like Brad about what the rest of the world feels about people like me- now I'm not even safe within the confines of my school.  So much for protection.  School is supposed to be a place where us kids can have another safe haven aside from home.  Teachers aren't supposed to be biased.  Teachers are supposed to be our friends.  We're supposed to be able to trust them.  They are supposed to have our best interests at heart. 

I guess that only applies when you're NOT gay.

And the Award for most bigotted, close-minded, ignorant STUPID people goes to:  Oakdale High.