Last Friday was the twentieth anniversary of our junior high school. Every class had a ton of work to do in the weeks before the big celebration. Each group was in charge of a booth, a performance, or a display. Our class, Class 8B, chose to set up a stamp collection from different countries around the world. It was ours to design and organize, and everyone looked forward to sharing it with visitors.
On the morning of the celebration, students were busy everywhere. Several of us fetched heavy boxes of supplies from the storeroom downstairs. Amy, our class leader, wore a bright purple skirt and worked hard all morning with a big smile. She also reminded everyone to bring a towel because the weather was warm and we would be working outside. At the same time, the mathematics club put up a large poster with number puzzles, and the chemistry group set up a small science experiment for guests to watch up close.
By noon, the school was full of noise and energy. A guest speaker from Canada came to give a short talk about geography. He had a strong accent, but he spoke slowly and clearly, so most students could follow along. He said it was a pity that many young people did not know enough about the rest of the world. After his inspiring talk, seventeen students from our class signed up to join the geography club.
The highlight of the afternoon took place at the outdoor stage. A large birthday cake with many candles was brought out to mark the school's anniversary. One of the teachers, who was quite handsome, helped cut the cake and gave each student a small slice. Everyone used a fork to enjoy the sweet treat. Near the toilet, volunteers were handing out cold drinks and snacks to the guests. There was also a lucky draw, and the top prize was a beautifully handmade doll.
Not everything went smoothly, however. During the chemistry show, a student accidentally knocked over a bottle of liquid. The teacher chose not to punish him in front of everyone, but the boy still felt great shame. "I really regret not being more careful," he whispered to his friends. It was a pity that the accident happened, but someone quickly brought a spare bottle, and the show continued without much delay.
By the time the celebration ended in the late afternoon, everyone was tired but truly happy. Our stamp display had attracted many visitors throughout the day, and even the principal stopped by to take a look. Looking back on that day, we all felt proud of what we had accomplished together. The twentieth anniversary reminded us how special our school is and how much we treasure the friendships we have built here.