(In the school gymnasium for senior orientation)
Hackett: Hands down, this will probably be the best year of school for the most of you.
Never before have we had so many students with bright futures ahead of them.
And this year you'll all be receiving some extra senior perks. And no I don't
mean the return of valet parking. Mr. Messerschmitt is here to discuss a few of
them at this time.
Messerschmitt: Thank-you, but I need no introduction. Never before have I taken such
an -dare I say the word- interest in a graduating class as I have this one.
However, before me I see the next Einsteins, the next Ghandis, the next
excellent fast-food chain inventors and I know that someday, when I'm
old and my memory begins to fail, I'll still remember the Singhs, the
Teslows, the (a deliberate pause) Diffys that I once taught.
Somehow, I have a feeling the future depends on them.
(he looks directly at Phil. Phil does his best not to show any response
to his teacher's weird behavior. Mr. Messerschmitt walks away
from the podium. )
Hackett: Alrighty, not the perks I was expecting. I guessI'll have to explain them.
Okay, here it is short and sweet. You will now be allowed to leave campus for
lunch, not that some of you haven't snuck off for lunch in the past anyways, but
I'm not one to name names (coughs the word Diffy), anywho, anyone planning
take advantage of this new privilege will need to sign a release form stating that
anything that happens outside the school primacies can and will not fall back on
the school by means of some lawsuit. Oh, and anyone who abuses this privilege
which includes being tardy to any classes you have after lunch will have their
lunch privileges revoked…immediately. At this time I'd like to introduce a few
additions we've made to the staff this year. Everyone give a Pickford Jr./Sr.
high welcome to the new Telecommunications instructor-and might I add my
sweetheart- Ms. Mylas.
Ms. Mylas: Thanks, sweetie. (smiling widely as the entire senior class shudders!) I'm
looking forward to being with you this year and helping you out in the video
lab. I have been informed that this year you guys get a special newscast all to
yourselves, and all I can say is I'm excited to be a part of this new daily
broadcast. (looking around nervously) I'm new to this, but I think this is
the part where I ask that anyone interested sign up. We already have our two
top reporters and our head cameramen, but there are still many open spots on
the Pickford Seniors News team. (no response from the crowd of students
with the exception of Keely.) I guess I'll hand it back over to Vice Principle
Neil-I mean Hackett!
Hackett: Don't worry; you'll have more members, especially when they find out that
most of the year will be spent in field trips and off-campus reporting. (the
entire group breaks out into a huge applause.)
In the Video Lab after school
Keely: I can't believe Trina Mylas is our new telecom teacher. How cool is that. I mean
I used to imitate her when she was a reporter on CBA News.
Phil: Yeah, well I can't believe Trina Mylas is dating Neil Hackett.
Keely: Now, Phil. Mr. Hackett isn't all that bad. Okay so he might be a little flaky…
Phil: A little?
Keely: Phil! Remember when I went on that date with him that one time?
Phil: How can I forget? Sometimes I still have nightmares about you dating him.
Keely: Anyways… what I'm trying to say is he wasn't all that bad to hang out with.
And he said he used to be a professional dancer which is actually kinda cool.
Phil: So are you trying to say that if you had really been 25, you would have dated him?
Keely: Eww! No! Besides, there's only one "one and only" for me.
Phil: Really? (confused) Anyone I know? And don't say that silly actor guy, whats-his-
name…Ricky whatever.
Keely: No way. I'm so over him. I don't want some shallow actor. No, I don't know
who it is yet but, trust me, when I do find him, you'll be the first to know.
(There is an unspoken tension between them. Ms. Mylas enters the room, breaking the awkward silence.)
Ms. Mylas: There's my number one reporter. You already know my name, but I don't
know yours.
Keely: It's, uh, uh, it's…
Phil: (whispering) Keely
Keely: Keely! That's right my name's Keely Teslow. I'm so happy to meet you, Ms.
Mylas.
Ms. Mylas: Now none of that. my name is Trina. Well, Keely, Neil tells me you're an
aspiring news journalist. I'm glad to help you out in any way I can. Now
who is this handsome young man standing beside you? Care to introduce me?
Keely: Oh, this is Phil. He's my main cameraman and best friend.
Phil: (looking at Keely) Glad to know I'm more important as a cameraman than a friend.
Ms. Mylas: I don't know. I think cameramen are extremely important and not just
because of what they do. I've found that some of my closest friends have
been those who worked behind the camera. In fact that's how Mr. Hackett
and I know each other. Neil was my cameraman in college.
Keely: Really? (she takes a side glance at Phil.) And now you're dating him? How
sweet.
Phil: Can I ask a personal question?
Ms. Mylas: Of course, unless you want to know how old I am. In that case, I can't help
you.
Phil: No, I was just wondering if it's serious between you and Mr. Hackett? He never
seems to have that much luck with women and I can sorta see why, but now…
Ms. Mylas: (laughing) Oh, I get it. I must not seem like Mr. Hackett's type, right?
Phil: Right.
Keely: Phil!
Ms. Mylas: It's okay, Keely. I understand. I've had many friends ask the same thing. I
guess not many people see the Neil Hackett that I do. He's really quite
wonderful once you get to know him. I bet if other girls had given him half a
chance, they'd be clawing each other to get him back.
Phil: Women clawing over Vice Principle Hackett? (Phil is about to laugh, but Keely
nudges him before he has a chance.)
Ms. Mylas: Mmm-hmm, but they can't have him now because he's all mine. So, Phil,
you could say it's very serious between us. Now I think it's time I see where
you're both at, so let's run some screen tests. Phil, you grab a camera and
Keely, you grab a mic and stand over there.
Keely: Alright! (whispering excitedly as she passes by Phil) Like I said, this is going to
be the best year ever!
Phil: (whispering to himself as he looks through the camera at Keely) Yeah, Keel, I
have a feeling it will be.