Clowning Around

After the teacher left the classroom for a few minutes, Marvin Levey threw an acorn and smacked Calhoun Mane upside the head. The embarrassment caused Calhoun to immediately retaliate as classmates’ laughter turned to awe after a single blow to Marvin’s temple landed solidly. When the teenager hit the floor with a thud, Calhoun stood over him, cussing and threatening more of the same punishment. Marvin climbed up into his desk just as Mr. Treadway reentered the now silent classroom. Calhoun still stood over Marvin, enraged by the audacity of this arrogant transaction.

Marvin held his head low. Mr. Treadway walked over to investigate what had happened in his absence. Calhoun screamed accusations at Marvin. Unwilling to receive further punishment from the school’s top authority, Marvin shook his head in denial. Calhoun started accusing the teenager of unnecessary mischief. A divided classroom started taking sides with either teen. Mr. Treadway ordered both boys into the hallway.

Mr. Treadway said, “I expect you both to go to the principal’s office without causing more trouble. I have a class full of students who need my attention. You’ve disrupted the coursework enough for one day.”

Both Calhoun and Marvin knew they were in for a paddling from Principal Barrios. They walked side by side slowly until they reached the office door, then procrastinated before entering. As soon as they walked through the doorway, the staff stood talking with the principal about other important matters.

Principal Barrios asked, “Are you boys here to see me?”

When Calhoun and Marvin started arguing again, Principal Barrios led them into his office. They had a debate for about a minute, and the talking over one another spiraled out of control instantly. The cool-headed principal stopped them mid-sentence, insisting they would receive one blow on their rearends with a paddle. Mr. Barrios took out this long, well-carved plank of wood with a handle that fit perfectly in his strong hand.

Principal Barrios ordered Calhoun, “Son, grab the back of that chair there and smile at the clown picture on the wall. If you move or speak, I’ll give you another crack. Now, smile big for me.”