Make the Connection

SCRIPT TITLE:

Make the Connection

AUTHORSHIP:

Being involved in students' lives outside of class makes a real impact.

CHARACTERS:

Brandi, a fifth-grade soccer player

Michael, her sixth-grade teammate

Mrs. Peters, a 5th and 6th grade Sunday School teacher

COSTUMES:

Kids in athletic gear; teacher in casual clothes

PROPS:

soccer ball, gym bag, other soccer-related items

SETTING:

Sidelines of a soccer field.

DRAMA

Surrounded by soccer balls and gym bags, BRANDI and MICHAEL sit on a bench, lacing up their shoes.

MICHAEL:     Can you believe our team made it to the finals? One more win, and we're league champs!

BRANDI:     I don't know who's more excited, me or my parents.

MICHAEL:     (pointing) I know. Don't look now, but they're standing in the bleachers, jumping up and down and chanting your name.

BRANDI looks in the direction he's pointing.

BRANDI:     (pleasantly surprised) Oh, wow! Mrs. Peters is here!

MICHAEL:     Mrs. Peters? Who's Mrs. Peters?

BRANDI:     My Sunday School teacher!

MICHAEL:     You mean that lady sitting next to your mom?

BRANDI:     Yeah. That's her.

MICHAEL:     Whoa. You must be in real trouble, Brandi. (pushing BRANDI behind him) I know, hide behind me. Maybe she won't see you.

BRANDI:     (breaking his grip, confused) Hide? Why should I hide from her?

MICHAEL:     Look, she's talking to your parents. You're in for it now!

BRANDI:     What are you talking about?

MICHAEL:     Hey, here she comes. Run to the bathroom, I'll cover for you.

BRANDI:     Michael! What's the matter with you? Mrs. Peters is really cool. She even called me on the phone the other night, just to talk.

MICHAEL:     (incredulous) She called you? At home? And you're not in trouble?

BRANDI:     Of course not!

MICHAEL:     The last time a Sunday School teacher called my house was when my brother threw spit wads at Mr. Marsetti's flannel graph board. My parents grounded him for a month!

BRANDI:     Mrs. Peters even sent me an email on my birthday.

MICHAEL:     Wow! I don't even think my Sunday School teacher knows my name. Mrs. Peters must be an awesome teacher!

BRANDI:     She is. Hey, here she comes. Want to meet her?

MICHAEL:     Sure!

MRS. PETERS enters and crosses to BRANDI and MICHAEL.

MRS. PETERS:     Brandi! I'm so glad to finally catch up to you.

BRANDI:     Hi, Mrs. Peters. Thanks for coming to my game! This is my friend, Michael.

MRS. PETERS:     Yes, of course! Hi, Michael. Brandi tells me you're awesome at penalty kicks!

MICHAEL:     (humbly, yet thrilled at the compliment) Well, yeah . . . .

MICHAEL looks at Mrs. Peters with awe.

MRS. PETERS:     Brandi, I just came by to let you know I'll be praying that you (catching MICHAEL'S awestruck look) . . . . I mean the two of you . . . . will play your very best and have a lot of fun.

BRANDI:     Thanks.

MICHAEL:     (still awestruck) Thanks, Mrs. Peters.

MRS. PETERS:     Hey, I'd love to take you (noticing Michael again) . . . . and Michael . . . . out for ice cream after the game. That is, if it's okay with your parents.

MICHAEL:     (still in awe) Cool!

BRANDI:     All right!

MRS. PETERS:     Well, I better go take my seat. Looks like the ref's about to blow the whistle and start the game. Good luck! See ya' after the game! (MRS. PETERS exits.)

BRANDI:     (calling after MRS. PETERS) Wow, thanks!

MICHAEL:     (still a bit dazzled by MRS. PETERS) Yeah, thanks, Mrs. Peters! (to BRANDI) Wow!

BRANDI:     Michael! Snap out of it. She's just a Sunday School teacher.

MICHAEL:     (coming to his senses) Yeah. Yeah, I guess. I just wish she was my Sunday School teacher.

BRANDI:     (picking up gear and exiting) I know. I can't believe she came here just to watch me play.

MICHAEL:     (also picking up gear and exiting) The way you play, I can't believe it, either!

BRANDI: Funny, Michael!