Chapter 10: Eyes on the Ballot
Monday morning came with a sense of urgency. Birds chirped louder. Shoes tapped faster. And eyes scanned every noticeboard as if answers might appear. It was Election Day at Bosol.
The entire school compound had been transformed. The school hall had voting booths lined up neatly, each labeled with classes. Two teachers monitored each corner: one to hand out the ballot paper, and the other to guide students through the simple voting process.
Mrs. Ayoade, wearing her usual navy skirt and light blue blouse, walked into the hall with a clipboard.
"SS2, step to the right. Junior classes, wait behind the red line. You'll be called shortly."
As the day unfolded, students cast their votes, one after the other. Some walked out smiling, some looking deep in thought. It was a secret ballot—no one would know who picked who. But everyone had their guesses.
---
Adeniji Ayomide, pen in hand, stared at the ballot paper.
Head Girl: Adeniji Ayomide
Head Boy: Precious Ajiboye
She smiled faintly. It wasn't pride. It was gratitude. The journey had been long—from being the quiet, serious student to standing before the whole school in a confident voice.
She ticked the box beside Ajiboye for Head Boy. A part of her knew they'd work well together if elected. There was a balance between them—her structure, his softness.
---
Precious Fadeyi, meanwhile, folded her ballot after ticking Victory's name for Social Prefect. She hadn't forgotten how Victory had stood by her through her civic punishment, refusing to let her sit in shame.
"I believe in her," she whispered to herself as she dropped her paper into the box.
---
In another part of the hall, Mr. Daniel watched with a calm but serious face.
"Leadership is about decision-making," he had told his class earlier that morning. "Now, it's your turn to decide."
Elumezie, confident after his strong manifesto, waved at some JSS students as he left the voting booth. "Vote me, and your mornings will never be late again!" he whispered dramatically, causing them to giggle.
---
Outside the hall, Victory sat quietly under the almond tree near the chapel. She had voted already, but nerves buzzed in her stomach.
"Not used to sitting still, are you?" asked Ajiboye, appearing beside her.
"Nope," she said. "This waiting thing is worse than the actual speech."
Ajiboye laughed. "Whatever happens, we've done our part."
Victory nodded. "Do you think people will vote wisely?"
"I think," he said, "that Bosol has more good students than we realize."
---
By 1 p.m., the voting was complete. Students returned to their classes. Teachers gathered in the staffroom to begin counting votes. Strict procedures were followed. Mr. Rasheed checked every tally sheet twice. The Director oversaw the entire process, his expression unreadable.
That evening, a brief announcement was made:
> "The results will be posted tomorrow morning on the assembly ground. No crowding the staffroom. No rumors. Just patience."
The entire school buzzed with suspense.
---
That night in the girls' hostel, Ayomide lay on her bunk, eyes wide open. Bimbo and Fadeyi whispered in the corner.
"You're going to win," Fadeyi whispered.
"I'm not even thinking about that," Ayomide replied. "I'm thinking about what happens next."
"Like what?"
"If I win... I have to be the Head Girl. Not just wear the badge. That's a lot of work."
From the boys' hostel, Ajiboye stared at the ceiling fan.
"You worried?" Elumezie asked from the bunk below.
"No. Just... thinking about how fast everything's changing."
Victory, meanwhile, had already slept off—dreaming of dance clubs, talent shows, and movie nights, all planned by her.
---
The next morning came slowly. The sky turned orange over Bosol. Students in green-on-green uniforms, white socks, and polished black shoes gathered on the assembly ground.
The Director stood at the podium, a folded sheet of paper in his hand. The entire field fell silent.
"Students of Bosol," he began, "good morning."
"Good morning sir," the students chorused.
"Today, we announce your elected prefects. These are the people you chose to represent your voice, enforce your rules, and uphold our motto—God is our Refuge."
The air thickened.
He began reading from the bottom.
"Dining Prefect: Esther Okafor." Applause.
"Library Prefect: Emmanuel Udo." Murmurs of approval.
"Sports Prefect: Precious Fadeyi." Loud cheers erupted from the students.
"Time Keeper: Elumezie Victory." Another round of applause.
"Social Prefect: Elumezie Victory."
A loud "Ah!" went through the crowd. Victory had won two positions.
"She'll choose one," whispered a student. "She can't do both."
Then the Director continued:
"Head Boy: Precious Ajiboye."
The boys' side of the field erupted in cheers. Ajiboye was swarmed immediately by claps and slaps on the back.
"Head Girl: Adeniji Ayomide."
The girls shouted in glee. Ayomide covered her mouth in shock. Bimbo hugged her tightly while Fadeyi clapped wildly.
"She did it!"
Even teachers smiled.
Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Ayoade exchanged knowing glances. The right choices had been made.
The Director held up a hand to calm the crowd.
"You will receive your badges at the Prefects' Inauguration next week," he said. "Until then, observe them. Support them. Learn from them."
He paused.
"And to those who did not win—remember: leadership is not about title. It's about character. Keep building it."
As the assembly ended and students returned to their classes, the campus felt renewed. A new chapter had begun.
Bosol, wrapped in green and white, stood proud under the sun. Its students had spoken. Its leaders had risen.
And above all, etched across the school wall for all to see, stood the unchanging truth:
> "God is our Refuge."