In this one, they introduced the homeroom teachers. The president of the P.T.A. was doing the introductions.

He introduced Miss Smith. Miss Smith was known throughout the school as being a very easy grader, and not much of a disciplinarian. Everyone loved Miss Smith, so when she was introduced the students all cheered, “Right on, Miss Smith!” They were led by the eighth-graders, who had known her longest.

Then Mr. Brown, the football coach, was introduced. He was young and handsome and strong, and everybody loved Mr. Brown. The seventh-graders picked up the cheer this time, “Yeah Brown. Yeah Brown!”

The sixth-graders, for whom this was their very first day in the school, and their very first assembly, were a little timid about all this, but they were beginning to get the spirit. They began to join in as the next few teachers were introduced.

Then Mr. Johnson was introduced. Mr. Johnson was older. He had a reputation for being strict, for being a strong disciplinarian. When he was introduced there wasn’t a sound in the room. Then somewhere from the student stands someone yelled, “Boo Johnson!” All the students picked it up, and a massive booing sound erupted. The pain was obvious on old Mr. Johnson’s face.

Then for some reason (he doesn’t know why even to this day) little Billy Job, on this first day of school, stood up, and said, “Be quiet! He’s my father!”

The place went quiet. Then the kids began to talk, “Johnson has a kid? We didn’t know Johnson had a kid. Who is this kid?” But there was no more booing

When school was over that day Billy ran home. As he burst through his front door he was sobbing. His dad happened to be home, and just caught him as he came through the door.

Billy said, “Daddy, I’ve done a terrible thing. I told a lie at school today.” His father sat down and listened to the whole story.

When Billy finished, his father took him in his arms again and said, “Son, you didn’t really lie. You were just mixed up about our family connections. You see, Mr. Johnson isn’t your father. He’s your brother.”