I know how incredibly sought-after this award is. Believe me, the decision process was long and arduous. With several tempting candidates, from Averi Halbert to Quinn Corbett, choosing a winner was even harder than preparing for a Hadley MCQ. However, I truly believe there is no person no more deserving than the student we democratically elected. Chance LaVoie, LIFE Crew commissioner, football player, and physics geek, truly embodies the spirit of this Wally: he is most likely to grow up to become Bryce Hadley. In two identical (separately conducted) interviews, I examined the nuanced differences and similarities between the two, and have only grown further convinced of the award’s truth.
When asked about their favorite books, both student and teacher replied: “You should know this,” (mark the clearly sarcastic undertone of both and consider the incredible similarity in their response). After seeking clarification, I learned that both Hadley and Chance enjoyed the book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
My next question was, admittedly, a gimme. However, this in no way detracts from the integrity of their responses. The question was, “What was your favorite part of high school?” Chance, immediately jumping at the chance to talk about his only past-time, answered “Playing sports!” Hadley, taking a little more time to consider his choices, eventually came to the same conclusion of “playing in sporting stadiums.”
“How often do you apply chapstick,” I queried Chance and Hadley. Their responses, accompanied by the deadpanned expression on their faces, were identical: “Never.”
When asked whether they would dare to use a mechanical pencil on a test that clearly specified the use of a #2, nonmechanical, pencil, both of my interviewees responded without a smidge of hesitation. “Of course,” answered Chance, while Hadley offered a more straightforward, “Yes.”
A few more simple similarities between the two; both, when given the option to take 5000 dollars or pick the next president, said they would rather pick the next president. Both share the dream height of 6’3, prefer normal ice cream, choose cantaloupe over honeydew and would rather be stranded on an island for five years than in space.
There were, of course, a few differences in their responses. However, it can be assumed that as Chance matures, his answers will change slightly, and begin to resemble Hadley’s more and more. For example, when he grows up, Chance will surely understand that it is preferable to fight 1 horse-sized chicken over 100 chicken-sized horses, as Hadley so wisely ascertained. Plus, he will realize that the shortbread cookies are infinitely better than Thin Mints when it comes to Girl Scout cookies, that ranch is the superior condiment, and that sharks, not swordfish, are the best type of fish.
Given their current similarity, it seems incredibly obvious that this Wally Award is going to the right person. From their views on reading to applying chapstick, Hadley and Chance LaVoie become more and more alike with every passing day. Hopefully Chance is excited about his future career as a popular English teacher and successful softball coach, as his current trajectory is clearly unchangeable.