“All of my students' grades went up. They even did the homework! My students actually looked forward to class each day.”

— April Holland, Teacher, Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School

STUDENT ANTHOLOGIES EXCERPTS

Amanda Sherman’s “The Great Anticipation”

in Hooray! Stories of Celebration by San Francisco Youth

Celebrations are fun and exciting, but only special when they fill your heart with joy and love. That is why I chose my mom's 29th birthday party to show you what I mean. On this very memorable day, history was made in the Wilson and Sherman family. This was the day when we reunited…

It was May 4, 1996, and we were on our way to Oakland to visit my grandfather. My mom really did not know my grandpa, because when she was about four, her mother died. Therefore, she never really knew his side of the family. She was nervous because she was meeting them all for the first time.

The BART ride was short, but seemed like forever. We tried to get comfortable in the hard chairs that made my legs go numb. Finally, I could feel the circulation in my legs again! We got off the BART at the 12th Street station in Oakland.

My mom was hot and shaky when she saw her dad's blue van pull up towards us. She had on her finest makeup, looking very radiant and at her best. She was extremely excited and jittery. Her voice was harsh and she was trying to stay calm, but her frantic actions gave her away. When my mom gets nervous, she always reaches into her purse and pulls out a huge, smooth mirror. Every five minutes, she fixes her hair and makeup. Then I'd say, "Mom, your hair is messed up." Immediately she would check, I would chuckle, and she would realize that I was only joking.

Up and down, the car would bounce and rumble. Other than the speed bumps causing an occasional rumble, everything was silent. Sitting in the van was like a library with intense air surrounding us. The loudest thing I heard was the disco music on the radio, and the clicking of the car's turn signal. In the van, my mom's light pink pant leg was moving from side to side, as the wind brushed it softly.

Rub, rub. My dad's hand swiped across his shirt as he held her sweaty palms. He looked quite handsome with his white t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and a blue cap, like a male model.

My brother, Cleve Jr., was looking at the stores, parks, and people walking by. He had on his black jeans, a hat, and a navy blue t-shirt.

My sister, Samantha and I had on identical-looking pink and white puffy dresses, which usually upsets me, but this time I had other thoughts on my mind. The suspense was killing me!

We finally got to his house, and when we went into the living room, the lights were mysteriously off. He clicked on the light, and a sound came out as loud as smashing waves on the sea. Everyone shouted in harmony, "Surprise!"

My mom's face suddenly lit up like a flood lamp.

"Oh, Dad, you didn't!" My mom exclaimed as she placed her hands over her face.

"I just want you to know that I love you," declared my grandfather with calm and sparkle, as he reached over to give her a huge, smothering hug.

"I love you too, Dad," my mom squeaked. She almost started to cry, but patted her eyes to soak up the falling tears. I have never seen relatives shine with such happiness towards each other! Glistening and joyful smiles were floating around the house (and everywhere else, I hoped). A huge, colorful banner gracefully fluttered above the kitchen door, with big, bold, red letters that said, "Happy Birthday, Kreasha." Balloons bounced up and down with streamers all around giving the room a sparkle and shine. A furious, frantic flow of chatter sounded like an overpopulated street at rush hour. The air was filled with the smell of women's perfume, delicious food, and sweets, which teased my taste buds.

Oh boy, the things I tasted! The hot, smoky taste of the barbecue and the cold, creamy, sweet taste of the desserts made my mouth water, like a rushing waterfall.

In a matter of hours, my mom and the rest of our family felt at home and at peace. We met all of our relatives, most of who were about 55 years old.

The food was splendid! There were barbecued ribs, chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, and a whole lot more. The grand entry had to be the birthday cake. It had pink and white frosting on it, and was raspberry-flavored in the middle. On the cake, it said, "We Love You Kreasha," and it was lit up with 29 candles.

In the end, everything was eaten except for a huge tray of spaghetti. My great-grandmother told us not to eat it because the meatballs were still too raw. I thought this was very funny.

This was a truly special celebration, not only for my mother, but for me too. It was good to know that our other side of the family cared and loved us after all, and to know that we were accepted. Woo. What a relief. That was the end of the great anticipation.

My name is Amanda Sherman, and I am eleven years old. I go to Marina Middle School and my favorite hobbies are singing and dancing. I was born on April 22, 1989 in San Francisco, California. I have a younger brother and sister, and an older brother named Robert Sherman. I would first like to thank my savior, Jesus Christ; my parents, for always giving me love; my siblings for being there for me; and my family, which is strong by the will of God. I would also like to thank my godmother for being there and helping me better myself. Thanks to my friends (Jesica, Killi, Jewels, Rora, Candy, Dreamer, Day-Day) and anyone else who gave me encouragement and laughter. I would like to thank all of my teachers, especially Ms. McLeod, for giving me all of the homework and quizzes. When I win a writer's award, you will be the first one I thank.

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