First Impression I

Prologue

Thornwell Academy for the Gifted
Est. 1970

5 August 2010

Dear Miss Eleanore Petingill,
Admission to Thornwell Academy for the Gifted

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Thornwell Academy for the Gifted. Due to your excellent performance in the annual Thornwell Humanities Essay-Writing Competition, we have decided to offer you a partial scholarship which reduces the school fees to an amount equivalent to the fees of a government school.

Thornwell Academy is a school for only the most exceptional students. It has been established since 1970. We accept students who are academically outstanding or exhibit great talent in dance, music, arts and sports. We seek to nurture them to the best of their abilities so as to allow them to fully utilise their talents to achieve their dream, give back to society and ensure the continued prosperity of mankind.

We sincerely hope that you will accept this scholarship and join this school. We await your letter by no later than 30 August.

Yours sincerely,
Professor Julia Delmont

*
"Thornwell Academy?" I stared at the letter incredulously.

I reread it. Once. Twice. Thrice.

I screamed.