Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: And now, Adventures in Odyssey.

Connie Kendall: Excuse me, Mrs. Hartle.

Mrs. Hartle: Oh, hello, Connie. Come on in.

Connie Kendall: You wanted to see me?

Mrs. Hartle: Yes, yes. Have a seat, dear. I need to talk to you about graduation.

Connie Kendall: Uh-uh, this sounds familiar. What's going on now? Don't tell me I need another course to graduate.

Mrs. Hartle: Oh my, no. Nothing like that. You've completed all your requirements and you're all set.

Connie Kendall: Oh, good. So why am I here?

Mrs. Hartle: Well, as you know, this year is Odyssey High's 50th anniversary.

Connie Kendall: Uh-huh.

Mrs. Hartle: Principal McFadden has asked me to make sure the graduation ceremony is just right.

Connie Kendall: What does this have to do with me?

Mrs. Hartle: Everything. I have some very good news for you, Connie. You're going to play a very important role in the ceremony.

Connie Kendall: Role? What role?

Katrina Shanks: Wait, wait.

Eugene Meltsner: Right here, Connie. What what what's going on?

Katrina Shanks: I can't believe it. Oh, oh, I just can't believe it.

Eugene Meltsner: Believe what?

Katrina Shanks: My graduating class. I'm valedictorian.

Guest (Male): It's hard to trust a lot of entertainment these days, but you can always trust Adventures in Odyssey. Adventures in Odyssey audio dramas have been teaching kids biblical truth for over 35 years, and a club membership will give them even more episodes to keep them strong in the Lord. Whether you play episodes in the car, before bed, or anytime, you can be sure they're learning to be more like Christ. Learn all about the club at adventuresinodyssey.com. That's adventuresinodyssey.com.

Eugene Meltsner: Valedictorian?

Katrina Shanks: Yeah, can you believe it?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, Connie, that's fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Congratulations.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, thanks.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, don't just stand there. Come here and give me a hug.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, okay.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I can't tell you how thrilled I am for you, Connie.

Katrina Shanks: Me too. I mean, I knew I got good grades and all, but but I never expected this.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, it looks like your hard work has paid off.

Katrina Shanks: Well, it wasn't just my hard work. It was yours, too. All that tutoring you and Eugene have given me over the years. Oh, Eugene. I can't wait to tell him.

Eugene Meltsner: Tell me what, Miss Kendall? Oh, Eugene, Katrina, just in time.

Mrs. Hartle: Why? What's going on?

Eugene Meltsner: Uh, you want to tell them or should I?

Katrina Shanks: Oh, you go ahead.

Eugene Meltsner: Connie has been named valedictorian of her graduating class.

Katrina Shanks: Really?

Mrs. Hartle: Connie, that's great. Congratulations.

Katrina Shanks: Thanks.

Eugene Meltsner: Uh, yes. Congratulations.

Katrina Shanks: Believe me, no one's more surprised than I am, except for maybe Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Truer words were never spoken.

Katrina Shanks: Uh, wait. I saw a list of past valedictorians in Mrs. Hartle's office, and Jason was on it.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. He was his class's valedictorian, and Jerry was, too.

Katrina Shanks: Really?

Eugene Meltsner: Yeah, Jerry gave a great speech at his graduation.

Connie Kendall: I loved giving my speech.

Eugene Meltsner: You were valedictorian?

Connie Kendall: Indeed I was.

Katrina Shanks: No surprise there.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, at the risk of bragging, giving my valedictory was a fond memory for me as well.

Katrina Shanks: This is incredible. We ought to start a club or something since we're all valedictorians.

Connie Kendall: Oh, yeah.

Katrina Shanks: Smart idea.

Eugene Meltsner: I'm glad you all find this so humorous.

Katrina Shanks: What, you don't?

Eugene Meltsner: There was nothing funny in the reward of academic excellence.

Connie Kendall: Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, Katrina.

Connie Kendall: Lighten up.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes. Of course.

Connie Kendall: Principal McFadden?

Principal McFadden: Oh, Connie. Come in and have a seat. You know Mrs. Hartle, don't you?

Connie Kendall: Yes, very well.

Mrs. Hartle: Hello, Connie. The principal wants to talk to you about your speech, dear.

Connie Kendall: My speech? Is something wrong?

Mrs. Hartle: I'm afraid so.

Connie Kendall: You don't like the topic, right? I knew it.

Mrs. Hartle: No, no, no. The topic is fine.

Principal McFadden: The problem is the prayer.

Connie Kendall: The prayer? What's wrong with it?

Mrs. Hartle: Personally, I like it. I think it's quite profound and deeply moving.

Connie Kendall: Thank you.

Principal McFadden: As do I, but there are greater concerns.

Connie Kendall: I don't understand.

Principal McFadden: Well, I noticed that you mentioned the name of Jesus quite a bit throughout your prayer.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, so?

Principal McFadden: Connie, I realize that many of the students here at Odyssey High are Christians.

Mrs. Hartle: And several faculty members as well, principal.

Principal McFadden: And several faculty members as well, but not all. And like it or not, we have to be careful not to offend those students who aren't.

Connie Kendall: Oh, offend? Who would be offended by Jesus?

Mrs. Hartle: Well, I doubt that anyone here would.

Principal McFadden: On the other hand, based on past experience, it's possible that quite a few people would.

Connie Kendall: Well, how can we find out for sure?

Mrs. Hartle: Connie, the principal suggests that we show your prayer to the senior class and have them vote on it.

Principal McFadden: Right. If no one has a problem, fine.

Connie Kendall: And if someone does?

Principal McFadden: Then we'll have to make plans accordingly. Look, I know how important this is to you, to both of you. Believe it or not, it's important to me, too. And you may be right, Mrs. Hartle. Maybe no one would object, but this way we'll be sure. Right?

Mrs. Hartle: Right, of course.

Principal McFadden: Connie?

Connie Kendall: Okay.

Principal McFadden: Good. Now don't worry. This school has had a prayer at every graduation ceremony for the past 49 years. I'm not about to let that change now.

Katrina Shanks: Hello? Hello? Where is everyone?

Cody Jefferson: Hi, Katrina.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, hello. Um, Cody, isn't it?

Cody Jefferson: Yeah.

Katrina Shanks: Is Eugene here?

Cody Jefferson: Yeah, I was just talking to him up in the train room. Have you seen Connie?

Katrina Shanks: Afraid not. I just got here. Besides, I believe Connie's still at school.

Cody Jefferson: Rats.

Katrina Shanks: What's wrong?

Cody Jefferson: Oh, I need help with my math.

Katrina Shanks: Math?

Cody Jefferson: Word problems. I hate 'em.

Katrina Shanks: Curious.

Cody Jefferson: Is that I hate word problems?

Katrina Shanks: No, no. You said you were just talking to Eugene. Did you ask him for help?

Cody Jefferson: Uh-huh. He's the one that sent me to Connie.

Katrina Shanks: You asked Eugene to help you with math, and he sent you to Connie?

Cody Jefferson: He said he really isn't very good at math, but Connie should be able to help me post haste.

Guest (Male): What does post haste mean?

Katrina Shanks: Very fast. Um, you said Eugene was at the train station?

Cody Jefferson: Yeah.

Katrina Shanks: Thanks, Cody.

Cody Jefferson: Post haste, huh? Boy, she's moving post haste. Maybe Mr. Whitaker can help me post haste. I like it. Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Katrina?

Katrina Shanks: Hello.

Cody Jefferson: Hello.

Eugene Meltsner: Katrina, please not in front of the trains.

Katrina Shanks: Eugene. So, how are you?

Eugene Meltsner: Quite well, thank you. Um, why do you ask?

Katrina Shanks: Oh, I just ran into Cody downstairs.

Eugene Meltsner: Uh, Cody?

Katrina Shanks: Yes. He told me the most interesting thing.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh.

Katrina Shanks: He said he came to you for help with a math problem, and that you said you weren't very good at math, and then sent him to Connie.

Eugene Meltsner: Really? What a precocious child.

Katrina Shanks: Come on, Meltsner. Spill. What's going on?

Eugene Meltsner: Going on? I don't know what you mean.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, I think you do. Now what's wrong? Now listen. I'm not going to let up until you tell me, so you might as well get it over with.

Eugene Meltsner: Katrina.

Mrs. Hartle: You just ended your sentence with a preposition.

Katrina Shanks: Forget the grammar check, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: All right. It started yesterday when Connie told us her news.

Cody Jefferson: About being named valedictorian?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes.

Katrina Shanks: You aren't feeling jealous of her, are you?

Eugene Meltsner: Jealous, no. Inferior, yes.

Katrina Shanks: Inferior, but but why? Eugene? What why?

Eugene Meltsner: Because I wouldn't be able to join your club.

Katrina Shanks: Club? What club?

Eugene Meltsner: Your club of valedictorians.

Katrina Shanks: Our our club of Eugene, you mean you weren't

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, my love. Apparently, I am the only person working here at wit's end who was not named valedictorian of my graduating class.

Katrina Shanks: I I can't believe it. How? Why? I mean, surely it wasn't for lack of grades.

Eugene Meltsner: No. I started high school when I was 9 years old. Can you imagine what that was like?

Katrina Shanks: No. I didn't start till I was 12.

Eugene Meltsner: I graduated when I was 12 and began my college studies at age 13. My academic record was perfect. Straight A's, no absences, no demerits. But I wasn't alone.

Katrina Shanks: You weren't?

Eugene Meltsner: No. A senior named Larry Kent also had a perfect record throughout high school.

Katrina Shanks: Oh.

Eugene Meltsner: So the faculty checked our middle school records, and again, we were both perfect. So they kept checking.

Katrina Shanks: Don't tell me they went back to grade school.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed they did.

Katrina Shanks: And you were still tied?

Eugene Meltsner: Straight A's, perfect attendance, no demerits.

Katrina Shanks: Incredible. So what happened?

Eugene Meltsner: The school faculty, lacking the wisdom of Solomon, decided the best way to resolve the matter was to have the senior class vote on who the valedictorian should be.

Katrina Shanks: Aw, and you lost.

Eugene Meltsner: Actually, no.

Katrina Shanks: You mean you won?

Eugene Meltsner: No.

Katrina Shanks: Well, Eugene, it has to be one or the other.

Eugene Meltsner: In fact, there's a third choice. I neither won nor lost because I never participated in the election.

Katrina Shanks: What? Why?

Eugene Meltsner: Katrina, I suffered so much humiliation throughout my school years that I I couldn't bear suffering one more humiliation by losing, and I knew I would lose. So I never ran.

Katrina Shanks: But how do you know you would have lost?

Eugene Meltsner: Because Larry was not only intellectually brilliant, he was also captain of the football team, starred in the school play, and was voted homecoming king. Take my word for it. He would have won.

Katrina Shanks: Aw.

Eugene Meltsner: Anyway, once I withdrew from the contest, I opted to finish my high school studies at home and never attended my graduation ceremony. We moved away during the summer, and I started college in the fall.

Katrina Shanks: That is so sad.

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you, but it's water under the proverbial bridge.

Katrina Shanks: Poor Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Milk proverbially spilt.

Katrina Shanks: Aw.

Eugene Meltsner: Proverbial cake I cannot both eat and have.

Katrina Shanks: I get the point, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, uh, right.

Katrina Shanks: And I know it still hurts.

Eugene Meltsner: A little.

Katrina Shanks: Well, if it's any consolation, you're my valedictorian. Does that help?

Eugene Meltsner: A little.

Katrina Shanks: Principal McFadden?

Mrs. Hartle: Hello, Connie. Come in.

Katrina Shanks: It's been a week. Are the votes all in?

Mrs. Hartle: Yes, Mrs. Hartle and I were just going over the results.

Katrina Shanks: And?

Mrs. Hartle: I'm afraid it isn't good, Connie. Apparently, someone does have a problem with your prayer.

Katrina Shanks: It seems these people have done this sort of thing for the last few years.

Mrs. Hartle: That's right. Now I've already spoken with them, and they aren't opposed to a prayer per se.

Katrina Shanks: They simply don't want one that mentions the name of Jesus.

Mrs. Hartle: Exactly. So I've gone back to the old standby.

Katrina Shanks: Standby?

Mrs. Hartle: Here.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, great eternal being who set the earth into motion, we acknowledge you at this What's this?

Mrs. Hartle: It's Principal McFadden's solution.

Principal McFadden: Right. This is an acceptable prayer, Connie. It was written by a committee of students and faculty and community members. It's how we've kept prayer in the graduation ceremony during the past few years.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, I see.

Principal McFadden: The prayer you're holding has been an acceptable alternative in the past, and it's an acceptable alternative now.

Katrina Shanks: Alternative? Don't you mean compromise?

Connie Kendall: Good point, Connie.

Principal McFadden: And what if I do? Is that so bad? Compromise is a fact of life, Connie. It's what built this school, this town, and this country.

Katrina Shanks: What if I just decide to pray the prayer I want to pray?

Principal McFadden: Well, first of all, this group of people we've been talking about will almost certainly bring suit against the school to ban all prayers from future graduation ceremonies.

Katrina Shanks: Oh.

Principal McFadden: On a more personal note, I would be very disappointed in you. You've always been a good student, Connie. Very well behaved, a model for others, and I'd hate to see you start turning rebellious now. But if you decide to do so, then you should know that I will stop you mid prayer.

Katrina Shanks: Well?

Principal McFadden: It'll be very embarrassing for you, for me, and for the entire school.

Katrina Shanks: Yeah, I guess it would.

Principal McFadden: Can't you see that the easiest thing to do is simply say the prayer I've given you?

Katrina Shanks: Do you make it sound so easy?

Connie Kendall: You certainly do.

Principal McFadden: Well, I don't know about that, but I do know in fact I have every confidence that you'll do the right thing.

Katrina Shanks: Yeah. The right thing. Connie?

Connie Kendall: Oh, hi, Mrs. Hartle.

Mrs. Hartle: Listen, I'm sorry about what happened in there.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, me too.

Mrs. Hartle: Sometimes he can be very obstinate.

Connie Kendall: I see.

Mrs. Hartle: Oh, listen. I'm glad that you broached the subject of going ahead and saying your prayer.

Connie Kendall: For all the good it did.

Mrs. Hartle: Well, now it may have done more good than you know.

Connie Kendall: Why?

Mrs. Hartle: Because several of us faculty members here at the school are ready to support you if you choose to say your prayer.

Connie Kendall: What?

Mrs. Hartle: That's right. My friends and I have been very distressed about this situation for several years now. We don't like the way the principal gives into this other group so easily every year. We view this as a persecution against Christians issue, and because we know you're a strong Christian with solid convictions, we'll back you up if you choose to pray your prayer.

Connie Kendall: Wow. Well, I have to go.

Mrs. Hartle: Now please understand, Connie. I'm not advising you to do it, dear. I'm just giving you something else to consider. I'll talk to you later.

Connie Kendall: Does it get anymore complicated? Oh, boy.

Chris: The stories we hear help shape who we are. The right stories teach us to be brave, to be kind to others, to be godly people. These are the kinds of stories your children hear with each episode of Adventures in Odyssey audio dramas. And your kids can hear as many great stories as they want with an Adventures in Odyssey club membership. When you join the club, you'll get access to over 1,000 faith-building episodes, including episodes you can only hear as a member. You'll get access to devotionals, games, comics, and other fun activities. Keep giving them stories that will live in their hearts forever.

Teach them to be wise like Whit, to be compassionate like Connie, to hold on to the biblical values they learn even when you're not there to remind them. Try a membership for 14 days to see if it's right for your family. Go to adventuresinodyssey.com to start your free trial. That's adventuresinodyssey.com. Want to contact us about the episode you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1 800 A Family with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

Eugene Meltsner: Just a moment. Katrina?

Katrina Shanks: Hi, Eugene. Kiss?

Eugene Meltsner: Please not in front of the door.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, silly.

Eugene Meltsner: What are you doing here? I thought I was picking you up.

Katrina Shanks: Well, there's been a change of plans. There's something you need to take care of.

Eugene Meltsner: Uh, take care of?

Katrina Shanks: Uh-huh.

Eugene Meltsner: Uh.

Katrina Shanks: Okay, you can come in now.

Eugene Meltsner: Who you talking to?

Larry Kent: She's talking to me.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, who Don't you recognize me? Short stuff? Larry Kent?

Mrs. Hartle: That's right. But I guess I can't call you short stuff anymore, can I?

Eugene Meltsner: No, you can't. Now how did

Mrs. Hartle: Katrina called me, and since I was on my way to New York anyway, I thought I'd stop in and see you.

Eugene Meltsner: Why? So you can gloat?

Katrina Shanks: Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: I didn't come to gloat. I came to find out what happened to you since high school. Why'd you disappear?

Mrs. Hartle: Well, I'm sure Katrina has explained it to you.

Katrina Shanks: Eugene, would you stop?

Eugene Meltsner: It's all right. I deserve it. I guess I yanked your chain pretty good back then, didn't I?

Mrs. Hartle: Yes, you all did.

Eugene Meltsner: And for that, I want to apologize, Eugene. We were cruel and heartless, and I'm sorry.

Mrs. Hartle: Oh, well, apology accepted.

Eugene Meltsner: I'm a counselor at the high school now.

Mrs. Hartle: How interesting. Well, if you'll excuse us.

Eugene Meltsner: You know, Eugene, you really should have come to our graduation.

Mrs. Hartle: And why is that?

Eugene Meltsner: Because we went ahead and took the vote for valedictorian.

Mrs. Hartle: You You did?

Eugene Meltsner: Yep. It wasn't official, but we took it. And you were a lot more popular than you thought you were.

Mrs. Hartle: I was? Wait a minute. You don't mean I actually won?

Eugene Meltsner: What, are you kidding? I was homecoming king and captain of the football team.

Mrs. Hartle: Oh, right.

Eugene Meltsner: But you did get 45% of the vote.

Mrs. Hartle: 45%? 45% of our class voted for me?

Katrina Shanks: That's great, Eugene.

Mrs. Hartle: Uh-huh. Wow. Why are you telling me this?

Eugene Meltsner: Because you were more important than you knew, Eugene.

Mrs. Hartle: I don't understand.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, when I got to high school, I was going through kind of a bad time. I had done the academic thing, and I was bored. And when I got into the social scene, my studies went out the window. And then you came along. This little kid who was so smart and who always got the right answers to every question, no matter what the subject. Well, I couldn't let you get away with that. So without knowing it, you made me work harder. You inspired me, Eugene. I I did? Yeah. And not just me. Did you know that our class had the highest SAT scores in the school's history and that almost all of us went on to college?

Katrina Shanks: Wow.

Mrs. Hartle: You're saying I did that?

Eugene Meltsner: Maybe not single-handedly, but you certainly had a big hand in it, at least according to the people I've talked to. You made learning cool.

Mrs. Hartle: Oh, I'm stunned. I don't know what to say.

Eugene Meltsner: And don't say anything. Just accept this.

Mrs. Hartle: What is it?

Eugene Meltsner: Open it and find out.

Katrina Shanks: What is it, Eugene?

Mrs. Hartle: It's a valedictory certificate with my name on it.

Katrina Shanks: Oh, Eugene.

Mrs. Hartle: And it's real, signed by the school's current principal and now part of your permanent record. After all, it's just as much your honor as it was mine.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I'm I'm overwhelmed and and and very grateful. Thank you, Larry.

Principal McFadden: You're welcome, short stuff.

Eugene Meltsner: No name calling.

Katrina Shanks: Sorry.

Mrs. Hartle: Thank you, Principal McFadden. Awfully sorry.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, Mr. Whitaker.

Principal McFadden: Oh, Eugene, Katrina. Sorry we're late.

Mrs. Hartle: Sorry we're late.

Principal McFadden: I know you're not. The graduates are just sitting down.

Mrs. Hartle: Oh, good.

Eugene Meltsner: I you know, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Jason and Mr. Riley and Mr. Waltness we came in.

Principal McFadden: It's Connie's big day. They didn't want to miss it.

Katrina Shanks: Yeah, where is Connie? I don't see her.

Principal McFadden: Oh, she's right up there on the stage, see?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes. Oh, she looks nervous.

Katrina Shanks: She certainly does. Do you know what she's decided to do?

Principal McFadden: No, and neither do she. Uh, she said she wouldn't until she got up there.

Principal McFadden: Good evening, everyone. Welcome to Odyssey High School's graduation ceremony. And I want to be the first to say congratulations, graduates. And now it gives me great pride and pleasure to introduce your valedictorian. Please welcome Connie Kendall.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, here we go.

Katrina Shanks: Thank you, Principal McFadden, members of the faculty. Traditionally, right now I should ask you all to rise for the invocation. But I have something to say first. Most of you probably know all about what's been going on the past few weeks, so I'll spare you the details. Basically, I've agonized for the past week over two choices. Whether to pray the prayer that has been written for me or the prayer that I wrote. Well, I can't agonize any longer. The time is now, and the choice is upon me. So between option number one and option number two, I choose option number three.

Let me explain. My faith teaches me to be subject to the ruling authorities. Well, the authorities don't want me to say my prayer. So if I did, I'd be going against my faith. I can't do that. But my faith also teaches that prayer is a very special thing, a one-on-one conversation with the creator and lord of the universe made possible through his son. Anything less isn't a prayer. And I believe that the prayer written for me falls into that category. If I were to just say it, since I don't believe in what it says, I'd also be going against my faith.

And since I can't say my prayer and I won't say the other prayer, the only option left is for me to say no prayer. So for the first time in 50 years, the valedictorian will not give the invocation at Odyssey High School's graduation ceremony. I know, I know. A Christian breaking a 50-year prayer tradition is the height of irony. Same as Farnsworth, I was listening in your English class. But I don't see how I can do anything else. You know, I've learned a lot of lessons here at Odyssey High. Conjugating verbs, figuring square roots, writing chemical formulae, operating a circular saw.

I'm just sorry this had to be the last lesson I learned here. I know this isn't the speech you all expected. Believe me, I wanted to leave you with a whole lot more. But now all I can do is wish you all the very best. Go out and make Odyssey High proud. Thank you.

Connie Kendall: God bless you. And God bless the graduates of Odyssey High School.

Chris: In this episode, Connie made an important decision based on her conscience not to pray at her graduation ceremony. It was a noble action and a witness to her class. But it's important to point out that Connie did, in fact, have a legal right to pray, not the prayer the administration wanted her to pray, but a prayer of her own choosing. If you're ever in a situation like Connie's or any situation where you're pressured about how you may express your faith, take the time to learn about protections that the law gives you. Talk to God, your parents, and your pastor about it.

Then if the law allows it and your conscience propels you, pray boldly. After all, it's your right. Well, that's all for now, except to say that if you'd ever like to write to me for any reason, I'd love to hear from you. Just send your cards or letters to Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995. In Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called The Graduate. That address again is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family.

The Graduate was written and directed by Phil Lawler. Our production engineer was Todd Busteed. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.