Smart Sindara and Brave Buchi Shine on Prize Giving Day

Smart Sindara and Brave Buchi Shine on Prize Giving Day

Prize Giving Day had finally arrived at School. The hall was filled with streamers, balloons, proud parents, and excited chatter. Everyone was dressed in their best, but no one looked more dazzling than Smart Sindara in her polka-dot purple top and red leaf-patterned skirt, and Brave Buchi with his shiny black shoes and neat blazer.

Sindara’s heart thumped with excitement. She had worked hard all term—writing essays, solving tricky math problems, and helping her classmates during group work. She hoped, just maybe, her name would be called.

Brave Buchi sat beside her, grinning ear to ear. “You’ve got this,” he whispered.

When Miss Adaeze stepped up to the microphone and said, “This year’s award for Academic Excellence goes to… Smart Sindara!” the hall burst into applause.

Sindara froze. Then, slowly, she stood, a mix of shock and joy on her face. She walked to the stage, accepted the shiny gold medal, and gave Miss Adaeze a hug.

Moments later, Miss Adaeze called out again, “The Leadership Award goes to… Brave Buchi!”

Buchi jumped up with a cheer, high-fived Timi and Tami, and skipped to the stage with his trademark swagger.

The hall was filled with laughter and claps. But in the back row, a quiet sigh went unheard.

It came from Amaka.

Amaka had always been one of the top students too. She had imagined her name being called. She had even rehearsed a little smile in the mirror the night before.

Now, her hands were folded tightly in her lap, and her eyes stung with tears she wouldn’t let fall.

During snack break, while everyone crowded around Sindara and Buchi, Amaka stayed by herself near the swings.

Sindara noticed.

“Be right back,” she said to the group and walked toward her.

“Hey, Amaka!” Sindara smiled. “Aren’t the samosas extra crunchy today?”

Amaka shrugged. “I guess.”

Sindara sat beside her. “Are you okay?”

Amaka looked down. “I just… I tried hard too. I thought maybe… I’d get something.”

Sindara nodded. “I understand. Last year, when I didn’t get anything, I felt that way too.”

“You?” Amaka’s eyes widened.

Sindara smiled gently. “Yup. I even cried in the bathroom. But my mum told me something that helped: 'Your value doesn’t shrink just because someone else shines. You’re still bright—even when it’s not your turn on the stage.'”

Amaka was quiet.

Just then, Brave Buchi joined them with three juice boxes. “Hey, Smart Girls. Thought we could toast to how awesome we all are.”

He handed Amaka a juice and bumped her shoulder lightly.

Amaka managed a small smile. “Thanks.”

Later, during class, Miss Adaeze surprised everyone. “This year, we’re starting a new award: Kindness in Action. And the first winner is… Amaka! For always being generous, respectful, and standing up for others when no one is watching.”

The hall clapped again—this time for Amaka.

As she stood up, heart thumping, Smart Sindara gave her a double thumbs-up and Buchi whispered, “Told you you were awesome.”

Moral of the Story:
It’s okay to feel disappointed when you don’t win—but someone else’s success doesn’t take away your value. Everyone shines in their own time, and true friends celebrate each other’s wins while staying kind and patient for their own turn to shine.

IT IS 7 DAYS TO THE KICK OFF OF THE SMART SINDARA’S SUMMER VIRTUAL BOOK FUN CLUB. If you haven’t registered, what are you waiting for? wink wink! Spots are filling up!

Please, register now.