ACT II
Scene 2
SETTING: Back in the classroom
AT RISE: The girls and STANLEY are standing, waiting to give their reports. GRETCHEN is in the front of the class.
CLARA
…and so
to summarize, Clara Barton, who was known as the “angel of the battlefield’ for her work as a nurse during the
Civil War, organized the American branch of the Red Cross in 1881. In addition
to the enormous task of helping soldiers, sailors, and airmen, the Red Cross nurses offer help to anyone suffering the ravages
of war. Whenever disaster strikes, Red Cross nurses are there to help. The end.
SISTER RAPHAEL
That was a very
good report, Clara.
CLARA
(With a little nod)
Thank you, Sister.
(Goes to sit down)
SISTER RAPHAEL
For all you girls
thinking about becoming a nurse, I highly recommend it. To help your fellow man
in time of great need is a noble calling. I gave serious thought to becoming
a nurse myself at one time. Who would like to give the next report?
(STANLEY eagerly
raises HIS hand)
Stanley…
(STANLEY goes to the front of the room.
With a pained expression, TOMMY weakly raises HIS hand)
Yes, Thomas?
TOMMY
Can I go see
the school nurse? I’ve had kind of a rough day.
SISTER RAPHAEL
Just lay your
head down on your desk for a while.
TOMMY
I have a headache.
SISTER RAPHAEL
Offer it up. All right, Stanley,
you may begin.
(TOMMY lays HIS head in HIS arms
on the desk)
STANLEY
My report is
on the United Service Organization - the USO.
SISTER DON BOSCO
(Knocking at the door)
Excuse me, Sister
Raphael, may I speak with you briefly in the hall, please.
SISTER RAPHAEL
Of course. Continue with your report, Mr. Grant.
(SHE exits)
STANLEY
The USO was founded
in 1941 at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt. The USO provides community information, family services, recreational
activities, cultural programs, and celebrity entertainment.
(LIGHTS change)
24 “USO DREAM”
(One stroke the windchimes)
The USO altar
boy provides services commandant worldwide in blizzard story more than Father Grundy…
