I opened my record book and studied each student's marks. It was time to choose the 8th grade class valedictorian. The student who ranked highest in scholarship would receive the honor of delivering the valedictory address at the graduation ceremony. The salutatorian, second highest in scholastic rank, would deliver the salutatory speech, and three runners-up would give short talks. The entire school was abuzz with curiosity - who would receive these coveted honors? My girls were already quite sure who the five brightest students destined for the special honors would be. I just had to make it official.

Baila's average was 96 percent. She was a brilliant, creative student who was blessed with the mind of a genius, and she certainly deserved top honor. Zelda's average was 92. Her high marks came easily to her, as she had quick comprehension and did not have to apply much effort to her work. Tova was third, with a 90 average. She was happy-go-lucky and never worried about her marks, and for good reason: all her classwork was excellent. Miriam and Dina both were tied for fourth place with an 88 average. They were smart, above-average girls, and very popular with the other students. I wrote the names of these five students on my writing pad, and was about to interrupt the lessons and officially announce their names, when I happened to glance at Pessy.

She was completely absorbed in her work, head bent, a slight frown on her smooth brow. I checked her average and saw that it was only 75. I thought of the great effort she put into her classwork in order to attain that 75, much more than many of my other students who rated higher. A feeling of tenderness for her enveloped me.

What about Tzivia? I checked her average - it was 71. She was a diligent, responsible student who did her very best to maintain this average. Down the list I went. There was Shirley with a 70 average, who sometimes shed tears of frustration just trying to keep up with the lessons. Then there was Fanny, who just made a passing grade, but used all of her resources to attain that mark, so that I would be proud of her. Then I glanced at Nettie, and she caught my eye and smiled. Time and time again, I had encouraged her to reach a little higher and get a passing mark. And she had made it!

Oh, how I wish I could choose these five girls for the special honors at graduation, I thought to myself. They certainly deserve an "A" for effort. They are surely not at fault that God did not bless them with higher intellects.

Suddenly I thought, WHY NOT? Why don't I give these girls the opportunity to shine at graduation? Ruchoma, I argued with myself, it will never work. How can I possibly ask the girls who are tops in the class to forego their honors? They are so young - most of them are not even 14 years old yet. And what about their parents? They would have my head. What about the principal? He would surely reject the idea out of hand. Why must I always look for the hard way out? Forget it!

DROPPING THE BOMB

"Girls," I called out, "I would like to have your attention, please." The girls quickly put their pens down and looked up at me expectantly. They were aware that I had been checking my record book and they sat waiting, at long last, to hear the names of the five girls who would share the honors at graduation.

"I want to discuss an important issue with you. You have shown me throughout this year that you are mature young ladies with whom I can discuss any topic. As you know, the students who attain the highest averages are those who are honored at graduation." The girls glanced at Baila and Zelda, who sat up straighter in their seats.

"There are other students in this class," I continued slowly, "who have not received such high marks, but I have rated them 100 percent for their effort and determination. God blesses some girls with brilliant minds and others with average minds, but what really matters to me is the effort each girl puts into her work. Sometimes a 75 average is in essence a 95 average for a girl who did her very utmost according to her capacity.

"Girls like these never receive honors. They are the unsung heroines who do not even expect any special attention. What would you think about selecting five girls who excelled in effort, if not in marks, and giving them the honors this graduation?"

It was a bombshell! At first the class was dumbstruck. Then a babble of voices rose.

"I realize that I am asking a great deal of the five girls who are expecting to be honored at this graduation. Baila, Zelda, Tova, Miriam and Dina, this is a difficult decision for you to make, and if you feel that it is too much of a sacrifice, I will definitely understand." I allowed my words to sink in.

I turned to Baila, who was deep in thought. "Baila, what is your opinion about my suggestion?"

Baila did not answer for a few moments, while time stood still in class. "Well, Mrs. Shain," she said slowly, "I see that it would be fair to give some of my other classmates a chance to be honored..." Her voice trailed off. "And I guess I would be willing." She seemed to want to add something, but stopped short.

I asked each of the other girls to express her opinion, but Baila had already "set the stage" and the answers were the same.

"Girls, I am not sure that this will work out, but I have never been more proud of you than I am at this great moment in my teaching career. And in the meantime, please keep this matter secret."

GRADUATION DAY

[The big day had finally arrived. The hall was full, and I launched into my address.]

"This past year our curriculum has included many subjects: literature, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, writing, and others, and my students absorbed their lessons and know them well. But the curriculum I taught them pales in comparison to the lesson they learned tonight: being able to forego their honors to give their classmates an opportunity to be honored.

"In the Midrash, the Sages tell us that our Mother Rachel revealed to her sister Leah the agreed-upon signs by which Jacob was to distinguish her from Leah - all in order for Leah not to be shamed. God deemed this selfless act so great, that when Moses and our forefathers and mothers pleaded with Him to save our Jewish Nation during the first destruction of our Holy Temple, it was to Rachel's plea alone that He assented: 'For your sake, Rachel, I will return Israel to their place.'

"Tonight, five girls will be speaking to you because we have Rachels among them, who are following in the footsteps of our Mother of Israel.

"It is my privilege now to call upon the five students who were to receive the coveted honors tonight: Baila, Zelda, Tova, Miriam, and Dina. They deserve a standing ovation."

The audience stood up as one, and the applause was deafening.

"Now it is my honor to call upon the special students who will be addressing you tonight: Pessy, Tzivia, Shirley, Fanny, and Nettie."

They stood up and again the audience applauded wildly. The speeches began. Each of my girls outdid herself, as tears coursed down my cheeks and I whispered, "Thank God!"

If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail.
If you can't be a sun, be a star.
It isn't by size that you win or fail.
Be the best of whatever you are.