On Friday and Saturday, February 24-25, Allyson and her teammates competed in the state Academic Decathlon meet in Frisco, Texas. Although it was an hour's drive, there was no way I would miss the awards ceremony that Sunday morning.
When I sent a text requesting the details, Allyson tried to dissuade me:
Sarah: ...I want to be there when you give your winning speech ♥
Allyson: nooooo
Sarah: I want to cheer for your awards, whatever you get
Allyson: idk how to explain it but i probably won't win many individual awards, cause i'm going for a overall award rather than just individual
Sarah: Oh. I've been looking forward to cheering for you and your team. :(
Allyson: you can come it's fine... it's just there's two ways you can strategize for state you can study really hard on one subject to try to win one medal or you can study all of them- not get individual medals, and try to win as an overall student...
Sarah: Well, if I can go, I'd like to.
Allyson: you have to buy a ticket
I sent several more messages requesting instructions on purchasing the ticket, and Allyson continued warning me to lower my expectations. She told me that her prepared speech had been a little short on time so she'd had to improvise, but that her impromptu speech had been great. Other than that, she wasn't sure how she did.
Allyson: there is no guarantee i get any awards keep that in mind
Sarah: I know. I think you will. But even if you don't I will be super proud of you and your team. You all worked very hard.
Allyson: thank you
