By the end of the fourth grade, despite all of the verbal abuse she had endured, Lindsey was at the top of her class. She had won all three of the class spelling contests, and she had won the schools contest for who could read and comprehend the most books in a school year. For once in her life, Lindsey was proud, and she made her parents, and her teacher proud as well. Each year Mrs. Count awarded certificates for students with the greatest improvement. She also awarded bonus bucks, with which students could purchase donated, items using bonus bucks in place of cash. By the end of the fourth grade year, Lindsey was awarded 3 certificates. Once for excellent citizenship, one for winning the class spelling contest, and one for winning the school’s reading competition. Mrs. Count was so proud of Lindsey, that she wanted to do something extra, as a surprise for Lindsey. So she decided to speak to the schools sixth grade teacher, Mr. Lakso (who was also a small airplane pilot) about it, to see if he might have any good ideas. Mr. Lakso was happy to hear the story and also wanted to be a part of the surprise. Mr. Lakso immediately came up with a fantastic idea. He thought that it would be a wonderful surprise to offer to take Lindsey on a flight, up in his private small Cesna airplane. Mrs. Count and Mr. Lakso were super excited about their idea and couldn’t wait to propose it to Lindsey and her parents. The next day Lindsey’s teacher Mrs. Count telephoned Lindsey’s home, to notify Lindsey’s parents. Lindsey’s mother answered the phone, and she was a bit concerned to hear the teacher on the other end. But once Mrs. Count informed her of the great news, she couldn’t be more happy. All she had to do now was to get approval from Lindsey’s father as well. Once Lindsey’s father arrived from work, Lindsey’s mother told him of the news, and asked for his approval. He agreed and the surprised was arranged.