The Scoop By Sean Duffy & Paul Shabel

INT. - MATH CLASSROOM - DAY Several students are crowded around a chalk board, and looking over one students shoulder. CONNOR is at his desk with head down, presumably sleeping. The main student at the board has a math book and notebook open, and is going over a problem on the board, following each number with a piece of chalk at a fast rate. Eventually, he throws his hands down in anger. MATH STUDENT #1 I cant figure it out! It just doesnt make sense! MATH STUDENT #2 If he cant figure it out, how can we expect to? MATH STUDENT #3 Well we better figure it out quick. I can not do bad on this test. MATH STUDENT #1 Wait, wait, wait. The student mumbles math terms to himself (adlibed). MATH STUDENT #1 (Increasing volume each word) No, no, no, no, no...NO! This is impossible. CONNOR Oh please. This is elementary stuff. Connor appears out of nowhere (to the math students) and takes out a pen. CONNOR (Grabbing the chalk) Lemme show you. At a dazzling speed, Connor solves the problem. All the math students are in gazes of complete awe. CONNOR (finishing) And there you have it. See? Connor shows his work to the group.

(CONTINUED)

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2.

CONNOR Its simple. LATER - The students of the class are taking a test. All the students are engaged in the test; all is quiet. However, Connor sits relaxed in his chair, doodling all over the test. The bell rings and all the students get up and turn their test into the MATH TEACHER. Connor is the last one out, and when turning in his test, he is more concerned on putting things into his bag then giving the teacher full attention. CONNOR (distracted) Read it and weep, teach. Read it and weep. The Math Teacher has one look at the doodle infested test and gives a look of complete horror. Connor exits, not showing a sign of uneasiness. START OPENING MONTAGE INT HALLWAY - DAY Connor walks gracefully through the halls. Various titles and credits appear throughout. One student sees Connor and smiles, proceeding to give him a high five. A little later, another student sees Connor and gives a look of disgust. DR. ALBEE is standing in the hall, talking to some trouble making students. ALBEE Ive told you all once, and Ill tell you once again: There is to be absolutely no iPods SLASH Mp3 players in the buillding! Now get to classs! Youre all an embarrassment to Sigmund Freud High. Connor walks up to the frustated Albee. CONNOR Laying down the law, ay Albee? ALBEE For the last time Connor, its Doctor Albee to you---

(CONTINUED)

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3.

CONNOR You know, Ive noticed that the schools distinctive scent is a lot worse this year than it was last year. Do you think its because of more kids or is the disgusting food just getting worse? If I had to put my money on it--ALBEE (Chucking) You can joke all you want, Connor, but your 2.1GPA isnt going to help you get out of here anytime soon. You are aware that thats only .1 away from academic probation. CONNOR Spare me the lecture, Albee. Ive got a paper to make. Connor walks away. ALBEE (under breath) Stupid little... Two kids run through the halls and past Albee. ALBEE (running after them) Slow down! Connor is walking towards the newspaper room. However, he is suddenly stopped by PAIGE. PAIGE (Very loud) HEY!!! CONNOR (with very little emotion) Oh, hello Paige. PAIGE Do you know what today is! Connor gives a blank stare. PAIGE Its the last football game of the year! Which means its the last opportunity you have to see me (MORE) (CONTINUED)

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4.

PAIGE (contd) cheer and support your favorite team! The Sig. Freud Slips! Paige gives Connor a poke and lets out a flirtatious little laugh. CONNOR (Ignoring her flirtation) Id love to but Ive already got plans this evening. Connor walks past her and on to the newspaper room. CONNOR See you in, uh, English. PAIGE Biology! Connor exits. Paige lets out an affectionate sigh and clasps her books close to her heart. END OPENING MONTAGE INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Connor enters The Newspaper classroom just as the bell for the start of class sounds. The room is filled with various newspaper students. Connor walks with a leisurely strut towards a mid sized desk at the back of the classroom. A few steps in, at the sight of Connor, SAMANTHA jumps up with a small gasp and a huge grin on her face. SAM (Excitedly/nervously) Hey Connor! CONNOR (apathetically) Hey. Connor continues his strut towards his desk, making mild small talk with the various students (his friends) in the classroom. EVAN (Snideishly) Morning. CONNOR (Apathetically) Mhmm. (CONTINUED)

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5.

A few seats away from Evan sits ERICA who is happily listening to Connor and Evan while sipping from a mug containing coffee. ERICA (Humourously) Hey Connor...if you were Evan didnt add a "good" greeting because he woke morning and realized who

wondering, to that up this he was!

Evan glares at Erica but says nothing. CONNOR (Slightly less apatheitc) Ha! Good one Erica! Im just disappointed that he woke up. EVAN Oh, go to hell. CONNOR Uh-huh. ERICA So Connor...how was Calculus? CONNOR I told you I had a test didnt I? ERICA Right...I was hinting for you to tell me how said test went genius. CONNOR Eh, it was easy, but I got bored about a third of the way through and just doodled all over it. ERICA (Jokingly) You lazy screw-up. Wonder what Dr. Hamlin is gonna do with you when she grades that. EVAN (Under Breath) Hopefully push him into oncoming traffic Connor chuckles at Evans remark and continues on to his desk.

(CONTINUED)

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6.

DAVID Youre late. CONNOR Sure am. DAVID (Annoyed) Just get to work. CONNOR Im sorry, I was not aware that you had been promoted to Editor in Chief...because the last time I checked, that was me. David scowls at Connor, obviously offended, as if the idea of being Connors underling was the most disgusting thing ever thought of. Connor, looking slightly smug, turns his attention to his computer where he stretches his fingers for a moment, and then attacks the keyboard with a ferocious intensity. A few minutes pass in which the room is silent except for the sound of fingers on keyboards. Then, suddenly, almost everyone jumps up at once and begins asking Connor all sorts of Newspaper related questions. Connor does not even look up from his computer screen as he answer each and every question with a smooth coolness. ERICA Connor! We need an interview for the new science laboratories story--CONNOR Talk to the department head, Mr. Auburn. SAM Connor the press is out of ink, and there are no fresh--CONNOR Teachers desk, mid drawer. EVAN Connor! What the hell am I supposed to do about the new lunch ladys request for an interview? CONNOR Tell her the issue is full and to try again next month.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID So we are resorting to lies now are we Connor? CONNOR Im sorry David, I cannot answer non paper related questions, please try again. INT. - ART CLASSROOM - DAY A tape recorder sits on a stool between Connor and ART STUDENT. Both are sitting in chairs. CONNOR Im sorry, but what exactly is "trans formative art"? The art student gives out a happy little chuckle. ART STUDENT (Giddy) Im glad you asked. Trans-formative art is my own original style of art I am exploring for my studio project. What I do is I take random "non-art" things and turn them into art. Pause. Connor gives a blank stare. CONNOR Could you give me a few examples? ART STUDENT Of course!

7.

Intercut: Various desks are put together to form a "castle" like figure. ART STUDENT My first creation was a castle I made out of nothing but normal school desks. The student taps on a desk nearby. Intercut: A "sculpture" of a bird made out of chairs. ART STUDENT I used chairs for sculpture. Intercut: Various figures made out of pencils.

(CONTINUED)

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ART STUDENT As well as many tiny sculptures made out of number two pencils. ART STUDENT And my newest and personal favorite: Lunch tray canvases! The student pulls out a lunch tray used as a canvas for painting. Pause. CONNOR I...see. INT. - GYM - DAY A couple of students are playing basketball. GYM STUDENT makes a basket and then comes over to Connor. GYM STUDENT Its like, every other major room in the school gets a big TV, why dont we get one or two. Intercut: Various TVs in the school. Gym student runs back into the game. CONNOR (Shouting) Have you talked to the administration at all about your request. Gym student is trying to get past a student who is blocking him. GYM STUDENT Oh yeah man! Ive got a petition goin round. The gym student manages to get around the blocking student. CONNOR (writing it down) Pe-ti-tion.

9.

INT. - HALLWAY - DAY Connor is interviewing the CHESS CLUB CAPTAIN. CHESS CLUB CAPTAIN But yeah, Chess Club making state was nothing. Now making nationals, now that is a big deal! Right? CONNOR Oh. Yeah. Of course. But Ive got to go. Connor begins to walk off fast. CHESS CLUB CAPTAIN But you only asked one question! CONNOR Cya! INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Connor enters the Newspaper Classroom looking disgruntled. He walks straight for his desk ignoring Sams attempts at staring a conversation with him. CONNOR I am so sick of this damn school! There is NOTHING interesting going on in it to write about. SAM (Consoling) Sure there is, you just have to look in the right places. EVAN Well what do you expect from a St. Louis county school? ERICA Not much seeing as how you attend it! EVAN Funny. Really funny. CONNOR Guys! Come on! I am trying to be serious here.

(CONTINUED)

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10.

SAM Shush! (to Evan and Erica) CONNOR Thank you Sam, do you want to know what I think this paper needs? I think it need controversy! Thats right! Controversy! I mean look at all the big papers out there, New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post...they all cover controversial topics in their paper! And thats exactly what we need to do as well! We need to find the controversy of Sigmund Freud High! If we can do that and then write it into The Sigmund Press, then maybe, just maybe, well be noticed by the Big Shots, the leaders in media! The Newspaper room is silent as it stares at Connor. Erica and Evan look at each other and burst into laughter. The rest of class go back to work. SAM (Honestly) Wow Connor! That was beautiful! Erica laughs. ERICA (Heavy Sarcasm) Truly inspiring old mate! EVAN Yeah, youve changed my whole perspective on life! Connor gives the pair a mean look. David taps Connor on the back. DAVID (Unimpressed) Connor. Quit wasting class time with your stupid ranting. We have work to do! CONNOR Thats nice David, thats nice.

(CONTINUED)

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11.

DAVID (under breath) Idiot. CONNOR Indeed. David scowls at Connor and turns back towards his computer. INT. - ENGLISH CLASSROOM - DAY Connor sits in his English, head down on his desk. The ENGLISH TEACHER is passing back papers. She comes to Connor. She shakes her head. ENGLISH TEACHER (Tapping on desk) Connor! Connor flips his head right up. CONNOR How you doin, teach. ENGLISH TEACHER Just fine, Connor. You however, are not. The teacher hands Connor a paper of his back. It has a giant "D" written on it. ENGLISH TEACHER The first paragraph was fantastic, but after that the next (pause) page and a half, was absolutely mediocre. What did you write the rest in five minutes? CONNOR Of course not! (Smooth) Three and a half, you know my style. The English Teacher gives a sigh and walks away. INT. - SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY The bell rings and Connor exits his English classroom. He walks through the crowded halls again.

12.

EXT. - SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY Connor walks out of the school and into the parking lot. As hes walking towards his car, Paige runs up to him. Connor keeps walking faster and faster as Paige continues to talk to him. PAIGE (Running up to him) Hey Connor! Whats up, how was school, hows the paper going? MY day was FAN-tastic. My friend Becca went out and got me a smoothie and it was DE-LI-CIOUS. Do you like smoothies.... CONNOR Ive gotta go! Sorry, things to do! Connor speeds off. PAIGE But, but... Paige sighs. INT. - CONORS CAR Connor runs into his car. As soon as hes in he starts his engine and starts to pull out. However, as soon as he switches gears he notices Sam sitting in the passenger seat. CONNOR (Jumping out of his seat) Jesus! SAM You know, you should really lock your doors. CONNOR Sam! It is NOT OKAY to sneak into someones car like that! SAM Oh relax, its not like theres anything to steal. (Mockingly) Oh look, a cassette player, HIGH TECH!... CONNOR Shut up! (Pause). Well...?

(CONTINUED)

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13.

SAM Oh right. Could I possibly have a ride? CONNOR Yes. How kind of you to ask. Connor starts to back out again. INT. - CONNORS CAR - LATER SAM So. How are Connors grades looking this year? CONNOR (Proud) Heh. The usual .1 above probation. SAM You lazy bum--CONNOR I am not lazy! I just put my time and effort in things that matter. Newspaper and sleep. SAM You know I hear Harvard has a great sleep program. Speaking of colleges, that .1 above probation GPA isnt going to get you far, bud. CONNOR With normal colleges, yes. But the schools Im interested in dont care about grades, they care about passion. Passion and substance. SAM Do they want a lot of arrogance too, cuz you sure have that. CONNOR Whatever.

14.

INT. - CONNORS HOUSE - DAY Connor walks into his house. He looks through a pile of mail on the kitchen table. At first he looks slow and unexcited, but suddenly he stops and a look of pure excitement appears on his face. He starts ripping the letter open. The letter is from "Foster-Hearst University". He reads the letter at an incredibly fast rate. His look of excitment quickly turns into terror. EXT. - SAMS HOUSE - DAY Sam waits on her porch for Connor to pick her up. She looks at her watch, and taps her foot. Soon enough, Connor pulls up. Sam walks up to his window. SAM Youre late. CONNOR Yeah I know, just get in. INT. - CONNORS CAR - DAY Sam sits in the passenger seat. SAM Whoa. Someone is grumpy. CONNOR I got a letter from Foster-hearst. SAM Which is?... CONNOR Umm, ony one of the most prestigious journalism schools in the world! SAM And? Were you accepted? CONNOR (Swallowing his pride) No. My academic record is, and I quote, "incredibly underwhelming". SAM Yikes. Sorry, man.

(CONTINUED)

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15.

CONNOR But there is hope. If I get awarded whats called the "controverse extraordinaires" scholarship, I will get automatic admission, even with my bad grades. SAM What the hell does controversy extradoirnary mean? CONNOR They give it to incoming freshmen who have a story that makes "significant impact" in national news. So basically, Ive got to find one damn good story or else. SAM Well then. Find a story. INT. - MATH CLASSROOM - DAY The Math Teacher is teaching class. Suddenly, Connor runs into the room. Everyone turns and looks at him. CONNOR Sorry. MATH TEACHER (Turning back towards the board) Now as I was saying, the relationship between radical functions and exponents... Connor goes to his seat and promptly puts his dead down. Later, he wakes up to the bell ringing. As he wakes up, a paper falls off his head. He picks it up and sees that its his math test that he took last class. The test reads: 14%, SEE ME!!! Connor sighs. INT. - COUNSELORS OFFICE - DAY MRS. MILLER is on the phone in her office. Connor enters. CONNOR You wanted to see me, Mrs. Miller...

(CONTINUED)

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16.

MRS. MILLER One sec, Connor. (back to the phone) I KNOW, right? Its like, how do they expect us to put up with this sort of nonsense. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Right, right, right. Well Im afraid Im going to have to let you go. Ive got a student I need to speak to. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Mkay. Bye! CONNOR You wanted to see me... MRS. MILLER Connor! Come in! Sit down! CONNOR Alright. MRS. MILLER So hows school been going so far this year? CONNOR Its alright. Just kicking back and enjoying it. MRS. MILLER Mhm, yeah, yeah. You see, Connor, thats where the problem lies. Your grades so far have been, well, incredibly undewherlming. We all know youve got brains, but you dont seem to use them. Awkward pause. CONNOR Uh-huh. MRS. MILLER I mean, how can you expect to get into a good college with a 2.1GPA! CONNOR Well the schools Im interested are more interested in... A student aid calls from outside.

(CONTINUED)

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17.

STUDENT AID Excuse me, Mrs. Miller? MRS. MILLER (Attention drawn to outside the room) One second. Mrs. Miller exits the room. Connor sits awkwardly as he overhears Mrs. Miller yell at an office aid who printed off the wrong copies. MRS. MILLER (From outside the room) I mean, its not that hard. I give you the things I want, I give specific instructions on a sticky note! Did you read the sticky note! Its says double-sided and pink. And whats this? (Losing composure) This...is...neither! Alright? Now run along and make some new ones. Remember the sticky notes! Mrs. Miller walks back into the room. MRS. MILLER Sorry about that. Now I think if you attended, say, a community college for a year or two you could build up some academic achievements. CONNOR But I dont want to go to a community college... MRS. MILLER You know they just opened that new place out in Wildwood and it is BEA-Utiful. Theyve got classes for everything! Business, art, science, history, horticulture, accounting. Everything! CONNOR (Raising his voice) Theres only one school for me. (Pause) And thats Foster-Hearst University of Journalism.

(CONTINUED)

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18.

MRS. MILLER (Almost laughing) Huh. Foster-hearst? I mean, you run one clean shift at the school paper, Connor, but Foster-hearst...a 2.1GPA...I mean... CONNOR I know, I know! But theres this scholarship program that I know I can get into. And if I have that my grades wont matter. MRS. MILLER Uh-huh. Well you can try your hardest, Connor, but I wouldnt get your hopes up. Maybe if you focus on your school-work for the rest of the year you can go to that a nice state school! Pause. MRS. MILLER Because I know you love Missouri! INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Connor storms into the room. CONNOR I hate Missouri. SAM Why do you say that Connor? CONNOR Are you stupid? Because its the gateway to misery, mediocrity, and bi-polar weather! Sam looks a little taken aback and even a little hurt by Connors overly aggressive remark. CONNOR ...sorry...I didnt mean to snap at you Sam. Its just that my counselor was trying to persuade me to go to a community college...I mean seriously! Can you see me at a community college?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: EVAN I dont know Connor, that 2.1 GPA youre rocking aint doin you much justice with any big universities. CONNOR Evan you and I both know that my grades are a vast understatement when it comes to my intelligence. DAVID You know Connor, maybe if you were to stop being a lazy, good for nothing, stuck up... Connor interupts him. CONNOR David. Shut the hell up. ERICA (Attempting to ease the tension) Well Connor, perhaps you could "pusuade" someone to let you in up there in Foster-Herst. Connor lets out a hearty chuckle at this. CONNOR Actually, that is exactly what I plan on doing Erica.

19.

Erica and the rest of the newspaper staff look unsure of themselves and unsure if Connor is joking or not. CONNOR (Chuckling) Not that way though. You see, there is this scholarship, "controverse extraordinaires", and basically I just need to come up with a news story that is so big that FHU would simply have to accept me! But I need your guys help to do that! I need you guys to rake every inch of this school to find me a story that is positively bursting with controversy! If you guys can do that for me, then I can take care of the rest. Evan and Erica look at each other. (CONTINUED)

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20.

ERICA 1, 2, 3... Evan and Erica get up and do a military salute. EVAN AND ERICA Sir, yes, sir! Sam just stares at Connor, obviously smitten. DAVID Wow. CONNOR (turning his gaze to David) Do you have something to say David? DAVID (Rounding) Yes! In fact I do Connor! Just because you need to have controversy in your paper in order to get into some stupid college, doesnt mean that we are going to sacrifice our paper to help you! I for one think that we should stick to what weve always done! Pleasant, school friendly stories. Connor is now glaring at David with a look of deepest disgust. For a moment it looks as if he is speechless. after a few seconds pass he opens his mouth to speak. CONNOR David...I swear to god...if you get in the way of this story...I will not stop until everyone in this school knows you for what you really are...a lousy, cold-hearted, uninspiring, good-for-nothing, suck up. At this last remark, Davids eyes widen and he is silent. short, awkward pause passes before he turns round in his chair and stares at his computer, not actually doing anything with it. A But

21. INT. - GYM - DAY Connor is interviewing CHET ANDERSON. Chets friend sits on a bench nearby. CHET (Over dramatizing) The match was almost over, but the game was tied, right? If I wanted to win I had to take a risk. So I did. CONNOR And how did that work out? CHET Not so good. I lost the match and broke my arm. Its just...sad, you know, bro? CONNOR (Under-breath) ...Cool story, bro. BRAD What was that? Two girls come in screaming for Chet. FANGIRL #1 Chet, Chet, Chet! Is it true, is it true!? FANGIRL #2 Please say its not true! CHET (Sighing) Im afraid its true, girls. Im going to be out for the rest of the season. FANGIRLS No!!! CHET I know, I know. But life goes on. Life goes on. You should put that in your article. CONNOR Yeah sure... Brad gets up from the bench. (CONTINUED)

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BRAD Okay girls, thats enough. Chet needs to rest and relax. Dont ya bud? CHET Brads right. (Smiling) Brads always right. Connor gives a look of pure confusion. BRAD Scram! The girls exit in disappointment. BRAD Is this interview almost over? CHET Calm down! Now where were we? CONNOR Umm, I dont remember, but wait. (to Brad) Who are you exactly? BRAD Chets personal body guard SLASH advisor SLASH B.F.F. Chet and Brad high five. CONNOR Riiight... INT. - LIBRARY - DAY Connor enters the library. The Poetry Slam is taking place in a corner in the library. It takes him a second to realize where it is. POETRY SLAM CHAMP is reciting a very overdramatic and absurd poem (Ad-libded). CHAMP Thank you. The three audience members clap. Later: Connor interviews the Champion.

(CONTINUED)

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CONNOR So this is your third win in a row, right? CHAMP That is correct. CONNOR And how many contestants were there this year? CHAMP. One. CONNOR And how -- wait, what?! CHAMP There was one contestant. Myself. CONNOR ...So you won by... CHAMP Default. Yes. CONNOR And in previous years... CHAMP Last year there were three contestants, and four the year before. CONNOR Thats a pretty major decline... CHAMP I wouldnt describe it as a decline! Each year the material has gotten much better. This year especially. The poetry read was top knotch. CONNOR So...your poetry? CHAMP Correct.

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INT. - RANDOM CLASSROOM - DAY The CRAZY COFFEE TEACHER sits at her desk. Connor is sitting across from her, sitting in a chair. CONNOR So what exactly is your issue with coffee? CC TEACHER Public Educations coffee addiction is the cause of almost all problems within in the system. Coffee makes teachers act unnaturual and robotic, which makes their teaching unhelpful to our children. With the elimination of coffee, teachers will teach better and students will learn more. CONNOR Something just a simple as banning coffee is the solution to all the problems within the education system? CC TEACHER Not all. Most. CONNOR I see. How long have you been teaching without coffee. CC TEACHER (Proud) Two years tomorrow. Ask any student and theyll tell how much better I am than the other coffee robots at this school. INT. - HALLWAY - DAY Connor is interviewing one of the Crazy Coffee teachers students. RANDOM STUDENT Oh God, shes terrible. CONNOR (Writing) Noted.

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INT. - COMMONS - DAY Connor interviews PAJAMA PANTS GIRL in the school commons. PP GIRL Its just like, we have, like, freedom of, like, speech. Like, you know? Who are they to tell us that we cant wear clothes that we, like, want to wear. Ya know? CONNOR I see. The administration points out that there are set standards when it comes to dress. Yes, we allow students to express their individuality through clothing, but at a certain point its just not acceptable. PP GIRL Well, yeah, but like, its not like were dressing racey. Theyre just pajama pants! Connor sighs. INT. - NEWSPAPER ROOM - DAY Connor sits alone in the newspaper room, going through a stack of proposed stories. CONNOR (Mumbling) No, no, no, no, NO! There is a knocking at the door. Connor gets up and opens the door. PREGNANT GIRL Hi. Im here for my interview. CONNOR Youre inter....wait, what? PREGNANT GIRL I requested to have an interview. For the paper. I talked to some girl about it and she said to come at...

(CONTINUED)

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26.

CONNOR Oh yeah, here come on in. The two enter the room and sit down at a table. CONNOR So whats the scoop? PREGNANT GIRL Huh? CONNOR Whats the reason you want to be interviewed? PREGNANT GIRL Oh well. I. I...I get made fun of... CONNOR For? PREGNANT GIRL I... Connor gives a "cmon" gesture. PREGNANT GIRL Im pregnant. Awkward pause. CONNOR Oh. PREGNANT GIRL Yeah. CONNOR Okay. Well then. You say youre made fun of. PREGNANT GIRL Yeah. Sometimes directly. Mostly indirectly. The looks people give me the hallways. The same laughs and whispers when I walk by a group of people. Teachers giving me those judgmental looks. Im not even showing yet but EVERYONE knows. The other day this guy who Id never even talked to started hitting on me without a slice of dignity. (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: PREGNANT GIRL (contd) Its...Its just demeaning. Yeah, I made a mistake, but Ive got enough strong emotions running through me as it is and its just. Its (pause) its just terrible. I was called into my administrators office and he had the nerve to tell me that...I was a distraction. And that I had to stop making such a big deal out of it. He told me that I am not allowed to bring it up at all. Its my problem and not the schools. Well when I cant go down a hall, I cant talk to anyone without getting my heart ripped apart and my image trashed, it is a school problem.

27.

By this point the girl has tears dripping down her face. She stands up. PREGNANT GIRL Im sorry, you probably dont care about any of this. Im sorry for... CONNOR No, no! Stay. I want to help you. Tell me more. The girl goes back to telling Connor her story. INT. - CONNORS HOUSE - NIGHT Connor sits at his desk, typing away at his computer at an incredible speed. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Connor prints off the pregnancy story. He walks over to MR. WOODWARD who is playing a game on his computer. CONNOR Mr. Woodward. MR. WOODWARD (Distracted) Yup? CONNOR Ive got us a headline story. Connor slams the paper down on the desk. Mr. Woodward takes a brief glance at the paper. (CONTINUED)

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MR. WOODWARD Seems fine. Mr. Woodward resumes playing on his computer. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY The latest edition of the school paper comes out of the printer. Connor takes the paper and sniffs it. CONNOR Yes. Yes, yes, yes! This, my friends, is our best issue yet! DAVID Says you! (looking at the paper) Do you realize how much trouble well get in for this? The whole department could be shut down! Remember when the hockey team tee-peed the Principals house? Have you heard about them since? (Pause) Didnt think so. We all love journalism here. Dont let him take it away from us just because he wants attention... CONNOR Okay David, everyone stopped listening about two paragraphs ago. Yeah, were taking a risk. But thats what journalism is about: taking risks. Not doing whats standard. Not doing the minimum. Reporting the best news and in the best way possible. Thats what the people want and thats what theyll get. Am I right? Most of the newspaper staff mumble in agreement. DAVID Dont say I didnt tell you! David exits. BEGIN "TELL THE PEOPLE" MONTAGE

29. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Papers are pumped out the printer at an incredible pace. Sam picks them up and begins to put them into stacks. INT. - COMMONS - DAY The newspaper staff passes out papers during lunch. EVAN Grab a paper! The headline story is not something you can miss! Cmon! Theyre free! Erica is talking to a group of students at a table. ERICA Why read the paper? Why read the paper! Im glad you asked, Sir. Im glad you asked. Have you seen this headline? The headline is shown: Pregnant girl discrimination. Scattered Student reactions: LUNCH STUDENT #1 This is terrible? Youd think in the 21st century wed no longer have problems like this. Poor girl... LUNCH STUDENT #2 Discrimination? Do the editors even know what that word means? LUNCH STUDENT #3 Its not discrimination. This girl deserves everything that shes getting. LUNCH STUDENT #4 Its definitely one of the more interesting stories Ive seen in the paper. LUNCH STUDENT #5 I tell you. This is exactly how the system is working against us. LUNCH STUDENT #6 Definitely over dramatized, but it definitely speaks of a truth in the school. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: Erica is handing out papers. ERICA Extra! Extra! Administrator Albee walks up towards her. ALBEE Ahh. Nothing like the ol student paper to make you wish you hadnt just ate lunch. Lemme see.

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Erica hands him a paper. Albee quickly scans the headline story, and his face bursts into rage. ALBEE (About to explode) What. Is. This. CRAP!? ERICA Umm. The paper. ALBEE This is GARBAGE. This is filth. You hear me! Albee barges off. END "TELL THE PEOPLE" MONTAGE. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Connor sits in the empty newspaper room, drinking coffee and reading the paper. Suddenly, Albee bursts through the door and walks up to Connor. ALBEE CONNOR DEVIN! CONNOR Oh hey, Albee. Enjoy todays paper? ALBEE You call this "journalism"? Heck, you call this "student journalism"? This is trash, Connor. This is a disgrace to our school. You might think its cool because its so taboo and controversial. Whatever you think its gonna make you, youre wrong. Connor, still calm, sips on his coffee.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

31.

CONNOR Oh. Were you speaking? ALBEE (Holding back immense anger) This is going to get you expelled, trust me. Just you wait. You little punk! CONNOR Theres nothing wrong with my article, Albee. Its a portrait of a poor girl and her challenges in this school. Its not a tabloid about movie stars or, in our present times, reality TV stars. This is real journalism. (Pause) Its funny. You honestly think you can stop me. Try as hard you will, but my ambition runs deep, Albee. You cant stop me. ALBEE You think so, Connor? You think so. Just you wait. Albee exits. CONNOR Toodles! INT. BIOLOGY - DAY Connor is sitting at his desk doodling. Paige sits behind him, and she stares at him creepily. Randomly, Connor turns around and sees her. PAIGE Hi Connor! CONNOR (Freaked out) Hey...Paige... His Bio teacher walks up to him. BIO TEACHER (Handing him a pass) Youre wanted at the office.

32.

INT. - ADMINISTRATORS OFFICE - DAY Mr. Woodward and Albee sit in the office. Soon, Connor walks in. CONNOR My presence was requested... ALBEE (Sternly) Sit down Connor. CONNOR (Taking his seat) Did I do something? Albee pulls up the school newspaper. ALBEE This. This is what you did wrong, Connor. CONNOR Pff. Really? I told you, there is nothing in that article that breaks the schools policy... MR. WOODWARD Connor. You love the paper. I know you do. But unless this thing goes away, the paper will. My job will be gone too. Connor, this article does not make the school look good. You have to understand. ALBEE Youll be pleased to know that the paper will be republished tomorrow with a different headline article. It will be entitled "Ex-editor writes fake article to stir up controversy and gain fain. CONNOR First off, thats phrased all wrong. A title needs spunk. Second off, that article was not fake. Yeah, it caused controversy, but nothing was falsified to make it so. And finally, what do you mean EX editor?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

33.

MR. WOODWARD Im sorry, Connor. Theres nothing you or I can do. Sometimes the system wins. CONNOR This cant be happening. Whos the new editor in-chief then? INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY The newspaper staff sit at their desks as David gives a speech. DAVID As the new Editor in-chief, I have high expectations for this staff. I also want things to change around here. This is a high school paper. Not some tabloid. Were not looking for controversy or a "real" story. Were reporting the news and the stories that are actually happening. They may be boring, and they may be pointless, but that is our job. To report the news AS it is. However, we are going to report in the best fashion possible. From now on, I dont want a spelling error in the title. I dont want anything reported without cited sources. And of course, (looking at Connor), I dont want any fake news. Connor stares down David. DAVID For a more full list of my rules and regulations, you may check the papers website where I have it posted in PDF format. That is all. LATER - Connor writes a note. He crumples it up and gives it to the person next to him. CONNOR Pass it on. The note is revealed and says: Join me, fight the system. Connor. The note is passed through the class. One by one, Sam, Erica, and Evan drop notes on Connors desk. Each one says: Im in.

34.

INT. - COUNSELORS OFFICE - DAY One by one, Connor, Sam, Erica, and Evan get their schedules changed by their counselor. CONNOR Id like to change my 3rd period class to an independent study. SAM Independent Study. ERICA Independent Study. EVAN Independent Study. CONNOR Advanced Roman Numerical Algorithms with Mr. Hunt. SAM Greek Dramatics in Ancient Babylonia. ERICA Studies in Grounded Aviation. EVAN Game Design for Macintosh. INT. - COUNSELING LOFT - DAY Evan walks out of her counselors office. He pauses and looks back for a second. He turns to the rest of the group and gives a thumbs up. BEGIN MONTAGE INT. RANDOM EMPTY CLASSROOM - DAY Connor and the gang sit around discussing ideas. Connor writes several things on the whiteboard. After a lot of discussion and argument, only one thing is left written on the white board: The Student Voice.

35.

INT. AROUND SCHOOL - DAY Next, Connor and the other members of the group interview several different people throughout the school. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY The first paper rolls off the print: The Students Journal lies, the Students voice speaks! Once finished, Connor takes the papers and exits sneakily. INT. AROUND SCHOOL - DAY Various members of the gang leave copies of the paper around the school. Students pick them up, read, and give strong reactions. INT. COMPUTER CLASSROOM - DAY Evan sits at his computer, typing away and looking very intensely focused. Eventually, he stops and a look of awe comes across his face. He picks up his phone and calls Connor. EVAN You HAVE to see this. Come to Ms. Blooms room now! LATER - Connor runs up to Evan and his computer. He quickly scans the screen. EVAN I was able to hack into the schools server and Ive come across a goldmine. CONNOR Perfect INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Again, a paper is printed off with the headline: WHY the food tastes so bad. INT. AROUND SCHOOL - DAY The paper is again sneaked around the entire school, and students give reactions.

36.

INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Another paper is printed off with the headline: Bathrooms only cleaned after complaints. INT. AROUND SCHOOL - DAY The paper is again sneaked around the entire school, and students give reactions. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Another paper is printed off with the headline: Administration uses personal information for PROFIT? INT. AROUND SCHOOL - DAY The paper is again sneaked around the entire school, and students give reactions. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY There are several quick flashes of headline articles, including: Rats in the school?, Schools drug problem a MAJOR problem, Fine Arts Budget Cut, but Sports budget doubles, School Computers: Worst in district, Potholes in the Parking Lot?, Marching Band Hazing: The Shocking Details you wont believe. INT. AROUND SCHOOL - DAY Several more quick flashes of student reactions. Albee walks through the school, coffee mug in hang Suddenly, he trips and spills his coffee all over. He looks to see what he in fact tripped on: A stack of the students voice with the headline: Coffee and its effects on teacher performance. INT. LIBRARY Connor sits in the library, drinking coffee and reading a book. Suddenly, Albee storms in. ALBEE (In pure rage) CONNOR! CONNOR (Relaxed) Oh hello, Albee. How are you this fine day?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ALBEE What. Is. This. Ablee holds up a copy of The Students Voice. CONNOR Hmm. If I had to guess, Id say thats a newspaper. ALBEE You think youre funny, huh? How did you make this? Huh! Spend all your time in newspaper class making this crap? CONNOR Oh no. I dropped Newspaper, Albee. Right now I have independent study. Youd never guess just how interesting and complex Roman Numerals can be. ALBEE I may not have any proof youre putting out this, Connor. But you can bet Ill find some. And when I do, theyll be hell to pay. CONNOR (Reading) Uh-huh. INT. - LIBRARY - DAY

37.

Connor types diligently at his computer. Sam walks up to him and starts looking over his shoulder. SAM Whatchya working on? CONNOR What? Oh. This is THE story, Sam. Evan went through some big obstacles to get us this information, but it was so worth it. This is the story that will get me that scholarship. SAM (Reading) School funds missing; the administration knows where it is. (To Connor). What are they using school funds for? (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

38.

CONNOR I dont know, but I need to find out. Its got to be some type of corruption. SAM You do know that this could get us all into serious trouble. CONNOR What are they going to do? Crucify the unknown editors of an underground paper? Id like to see them try. SAM Just be careful. You want to grab some lunch? CONNOR Why not. All this Roman Algebra is making me crave some cheap and crappy food. Let me just print this bad boy. INT. - COMPUTER LAB David sits alone in the computer lab. Suddenly, Sam and Connor walk past the open door of the lab. David gives an angry sigh, but then he has a realization. David sneaks over to the Lab Administrators computer. DAVID Ahh. Printing history. DAVID (scanning the screen) Connor, Connor, Connor....Connor! Lets see what he printed last. David pulls the draft of the article Connor just showed to Sam. His eyes glow. INT. - ADMINISTRATORS OFFICE - DAY David meets with Albee in his office. Albee is looking over the article. ALBEE (Nervously) This is all...this all false. Totally false. Yeah...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID I havent been able to find any other evidence connecting Connor and the paper, but this is still the key to unmasking it. And I can help you do just that. ALBEE Oh yeah? How do you expect to do that? DAVID Simple. Publish fake Student Voice papers. Filled with slander, rumors, and trash that will make the whole organization look awful in the eyes of an average student. Soon enough, Im sure the real Students Voice will publish this article and no one will believe them. You bring in Connor for publishing the slandering articles, use this draft as proof that he is behind the paper, and wha-la. All yours. ALBEE Thats just insane enough to work. Whats the catch? DAVID With so much of my input going towards the paper and other things, Ive slipped in some of my classes. I need certain grades to go up. You will help me, uh, "raise" them. Wont you? ALBEE What! Thats absurd. I will never do such a... DAVID You dont seem to have much of a poker-face when it comes to corruption, do you? And wouldnt it just be awful if this story managed to be get published, and this here evidence was known to the world? ALBEE Very well. But only if it all works.

39.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

40.

DAVID Oh it will. It will. START VOICE HIJACKED MONTAGE INT. NEWSPAPER ROOM - DAY Papers pour off the printer. David looks down on them with a evil smile. INT. - COMMONS - DAY David awkwardly approaches a group of students eating lunch. DAVID Hey. Hey. Hey! Pshhhh. Students voice. Pass it on. David leaves a stack of papers on the lunch table. RANDOM STUDENT Weirdo... David continues to leave the papers about the lunch room. Scattered student reactions: LUNCH STUDENT #1 Wow. I cant believe theyre writing this crap. LUNCH STUDENT #2 Really? This is like watching an episode of Gossip Girl. LUNCH STUDENT #3 In the past all their stories have been great! But now, this? Really? LUNCH STUDENT #4 Alexis! This story is about you! ALEXIS What! LUNCH STUDENT #5 Whoever is writing this crap needs to be stopped. LATER - David walks around the commons passing out the newest issue from the schools paper.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID Extra Extra! Rumors lead to serious problems! Your real school paper cares about you. END VOICE HIJACKED MONTAGE. INT. - ADMINISTRATORS OFFICE - DAY

41.

Albee sits at his desk, reading a fake copy of the student voice. Various fake copies of the Student Voice are on his desk. Connor enters. CONNOR Whatd I do this time, officer. ALBEE I dont respect you, Connor. But I have to admit. Youve got a lot of guts. CONNOR Excuse me? And what are you reading? ALBEE What a rhetorical question, Connor. You know what this. This is The Students Voice. The underground paper of Freud High. A paper that you publish. CONNOR I dont do journalism anymore, Albee. I dropped that class. ALBEE Heh. Yeah. For "independent study". Youre not fooling anyone. (looking over the paper) Such disregard for morality. Did you really expect to publish this gossip bag and get away with it. CONNOR Gossip bag? Gossip Bag! The stories we publish are pure fact based on strong research. ALBEE Really? Pure facts like (showing the paper to Connor) Like "Butterfaces: the plague of Freud High". Real factual, Connor. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

42.

CONNOR (Taking the paper) Lemme see that. Connor scans the article quickly. CONNOR This is absurd! I never approved the publishing of this? ALBEE Approved? So you are the editor. CONNOR Of cou--- uh, I mean, uhh, of course...not! Crap. You still cant prove anything to anyone else. Id just say youre lying. ALBEE Maybe. However, I dont need your accidental confession to take you down, Connor. (reaching for the paper) Because I have, dumdedumDUM: Proof! You see this? This is a draft of an article The Student Voice just published. And you see: according to network record, it was created on your school account. Whoops. CONNOR Who gave you that!? ALBEE A little bird told me. CONNOR David. ALBEE It doesnt matter. All that matters is that Ive got you, Connor. Im going to get you expelled, but for now, I.S.S. will do. You have one last day of freedom. Buh-bye. START EVERYBODY HATES CONNOR MONTAGE

43.

INT. - MATH CLASSROOM - DAY Connor enters the room and sits down at his desk. He tries to give friendly greetings to the people around them, but they all move away from him and ignore him. INT. - ENGLISH CLASSROOM - DAY Connor has his head on the desk. He looks up for a second and sees that the whole class is staring at him. INT. - HISTORY CLASSROOM - DAY Connor sits in his history class. The HISTORY TEACHER is giving a lecture. HISTORY TEACHER Journalism is one of the greatest tools a nations people can use to both express their opinions AND learn facts. However, sometimes journalism can be corrupted, and stories are published that are more gossip than fact. The history teacher eyes Connor. END EVERYBODY HATES CONNOR MONTAGE INT. - HALLWAY - DAY Evan, Sam, and Erica are eating lunch in an isolated school hallway. Connor bursts in in rage. CONNOR Okay! Who did it!?!?! The usual crowd occupies the room and all of them look bewildered at Connors entrance. After the immediate reaction wears off, Erica speaks. ERICA Whats the deal Connor? It looks like someone just mistakened you as a yearbook student. CONNOR Erica! Not in the mood! Im serious who authorized this piece of garbage!?!? Everybody looks around at each other, and then back at the still furious Connor.

44.

INT. - I.S.S ROOM - DAY Connor sits in detention, looking miserable. The I.S.S TEACHER is talking to a RANDOM STUDENT hes helping. I.S.S. TEACHER Its so ridiculous. The whole administration staff is getting bonuses, and yet we still cutting the budget immensely. RANDOM STUDENT You think they, like, took money from the budget to give them those bonuses. I.S.S. TEACHER No. Well. I mean. Maybe. It seems obvious, but at the same time its a public school. Its not like we have that much money as it is. INT. - LIBRARY - DAY Connor and the rest of the Student Voice staff sit around a table in the library. CONNOR Alright guys. The administration thinks theyve beaten us. But I have one last plan. One last plan that will bring them to their knees. SAM Well. What is it? CONNOR You see the Radio/TV room over there. Connor points to the Radio/TV Room. CONNOR Im going to sneak into it and have a surprise announcement...to the entire school. ERICA About?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

45.

CONNOR I figure Ill just spew out a bunch of preachy crap that really ticks off Albee and the rest of the administration. EVAN Well you are a natural at spewing preachy crap. But what will going all Guy Fawkes do for us? I mean, besides getting you expelled... CONNOR Oh you see, thats the beauty of it. While I give my speech, Erica and Sam will sneak into the office and get all the information they can get. Evan Ill need you to be at your computer helping both sides of the plan out. Passwords cracked, computers crashed. ERICA You really think this is going to work? CONNOR No, but its worth a shot. Sam touches Connors arm. SAM I believe in you, Connor. CONNOR So is it agreed? Or is anyone flaking out? Pause. CONNOR Good. Lets do this. INT. - SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY David is walking through a empty hallway. Suddenly, Connor comes up behind him. CONNOR Hey Davey. David turns around with a look of utter terror on his face.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: DAVID Ca-Connor? CONNOR How you doin, buddy? You know I heard from a "little bird" that you were behind all those fake papers. You know, the ones that got me in I.S.S. DAVID I...I... CONNOR (Put his hand on his shoulder) You see, David. Journalism means a lot to me. Its my voice in a world that doesnt give me many chances to speak. And when people come along and try to mute that voice, I just become very hurt. And I cant have that, David. I cant have that.

46.

Connor gives David a pat on the back. David gives a high pitched yelp. CONNOR Whoa, whoa, whoa. Relax my man? You think Im going to hurt you? DAVID Yes! CONNOR Nah, nah, nah. I dont play that way, David. Whats the phrase? Im a lover, not a fighter. But more importantly, I have integrity. Unlike you. Connor lets go of David, and starts to exit. CONNOR Oh and David. Connor pretends to punch David. David gives out another high-pitched scream. CONNOR (Rather amused) Lover...not a fighter Connor winks at David and then exits.

47.

THE PLAN MONTAGE INT. - LIBRARY - DAY Connor walks up to a Paige, who is the library student aid. at the Library desk. PAIGE Oh my God! Hi Connor! Whats up, how are you doing, what brings you to the library, I love your hair! CONNOR (Feeling awkward) Yeah...thanks, I...hey, do you mind if I use the radio room? Im, uh, writing a paper, I mean story about it for, uh, the paper. PAIGE For you? Of course, Connor! Here you go! Paige hands Connor the radio room keys. CONNOR Thanks! PAIGE You have 2nd lunch today, right? CONNOR Yup, bye now! Connor begins to jog towards the radio room. dejected. PAIGE But wh--- ...Oh. Paige holds her hands close to her heart. INT. - COMPUTER CLASSROOM - DAY Evan plugs in various things into his computer. He puts on a headset and begins to type at an incredible pace. Paige looks

48.

INT. - COMMONS - DAY Erica and Sam sneak under a stair case by the office. Sam takes out a keychain of flashdrives and gives Erica a few. INT. - RADIO ROOM - DAY Connor hurridly sets up the camera and microphone for his speech. CONNOR Check 1, 2. THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL Students and teachers react to Connors voice coming through the intercom. INT. - RADIO ROOM - DAY CONNOR Hello. My name is Connor Devin. Im sorry for interrupting your academics, but there are a few things that have to be said. INT. - OFFICE - DAY Albee looks up from his desk and freezes in fear. He runs out of the office. He stops at a student aid filing files. ALBEE Why are you just standing there? Cmon! The student aid joins Albee. INT. - OFFICE STAIRWELL - DAY Various people run down the stairs. Once theyve passed, Sam and Erica sneak out. SAM (On walkie-talkie) Alright theyve left. Now try and hold them off.

49.

INT. COMPUTER CLASSROOM - DAY EVAN Got it. INT. - OFFICE STAIRWELL - DAY SAM Lets go! ERICA (Eating something) Hold on. They two run up into the office. INT. RADIOROOM - DAY This contiunes throughout the next couple of scenes. CONNOR Journalism is, and always will be my life. And I refuse to allow any administration to stop me from pursuing my passion. Now. You may remember that about a month ago the Sigmund Press published a story about a girl who was pregnant, and more importantly, was bullied and discriminated for it, by both the administration and the student body. The next day, the paper was republished, claiming that that story was false. And for writing it, I lost my position as the editor in-cheif of our fine paper. However I have not come to you today to complain, I have come to you to make you aware of what you must be aware of. The administration is in fear. In fear of the truth, in fear that people will be made aware of what really goes on in this school. Another issue that must be addressed is my underground paper, yes, I am the creator of the Students Voice. I created this paper not in an attempt to rebel, but in an attempt to bring the truth to the students of Sigmund Freud High. And the truth I brought, but the administration wished to suppress (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

50.

CONNOR (contd) that truth, but I say, we will not be suppressed! We are living in corruption, but we dont even know it. All you see is crappy lunches, budget cuts, and arrogant administrators. Ive only uncovered a little, but I know theres more. So what am I doing? Talking to you all through the intercom and through the TVs. I just sound crazy and overdramatic. Well Ive got to get your attention somehow. (Pause) Crap, I dont have much time. But listen to what I say. Support those who try and find the truth. Dont let them be pushed and shoved into silence. Speak out! Let yourself be heard by the world! Do not let the administration, or anyone for that matter, bully you into submission. We were not meant to be silenced, so dont let yourself be! INT . - COMPUTER CLASSROOM - DAY Evan types away at the computer. EVAN Lets see if I can shut down the elevator. INT. ELEVATOR - DAY Albee and the student aid get into an elevator. The door closes. Nothing happens. ALBEE What the hell? Why arent we moving INT. OFFICE - DAY Erica and Sam go through computers and files in the office. SAM Just grab whatever you can. ERICA You think I have time to change my chem. grade?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

51.

SAM Just shut up and load up those drives! EXT. ELEVATOR Brad and Chet sneak up to the elevator. CHET You got the code? BRAD Of course Brad puts the code in. The eleveator doors open to reveal an angry Albee. ALBEE You too! Why do you know the code!? And second, come with me! INT. LIBRARY - DAY Albee and gang run into the library. ALBEE (to Librarian) Wheres the radio room? LIBRARIAN Straight ahead and to your right. Albee tries opening the door. ALBEE It wont budge. You (to the cop) break it open. CHET Im sorry, I cant damage school property. ALBEE Break it down you moron! Do you know whats at stake here?!

52. INT. - OFFICE - DAY Connor saying "I dont have much time" comes over the intercom. SAM Crap. Finish whatever youre doing and lets get out of here. INT. RADIOROOM - DAY Chet gets the door open, knocking down a make-shift barricade of boxes and other things. ALBEE The little punk made a barricade? A barricade! BRAD Well, where is he? ALBEE Hes...what? (realizing that Connors voice is still coming through the intercom) He must have prerecorded it all. Hes got to be somewhere in the school. Albee and gang run out of the room. A little bit after they exit the room, Connor emerges from a closet in the room. He dusts himself off. CONNOR Didnt think theyd fall for that. Connor exits. EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY Sam runs out of the school. She stops at the curb of the street and catches her breath. She looks around for Connor. She checks the time, but right then Connor pulls in with his car. CONNOR You have it all? SAM All on this flash drive. CONNOR (taking the drive) Amazing. Thanks Sam. And tell Evan and Erica thanks too. I wont be (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

53.

CONNOR (contd) coming back today, and I probably wont be for a while. But some of my friends will. SAM Bye! Connor drives off. INT. RADIO ROOM - DAY Albee makes a speech over the intercom. ALBEE I would like to apologize to you all about the disruption earlier today. Connor Devin is nothing but a punk and a criminal and he will be punished, dont you worry. A student assistant runs up to his door and knocks. STUDENT ASSISTANT (From outside) Sir! Sir? I think you need to come out. Now. ALBEE (Holding the mic away from him) Shh! Im making an announcement. ALBEE (back to the mic) As I was saying... STUDENT ASSISTANT Sir, its an emergency! ALBEE I will finish my announcement later. Albee opens the door. ALBEE What!? STUDENT ASSISTANT Theres...a lot of people here wanting to speak to you.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

54.

ALBEE (Mumbling) Stupid freaking little... Albee looks out the window of the office to see a crowd of media people. ALBEE Crap. CORRUPTION ERUPTION MONTAGE The voice of a newscast runs throughout the scene. NEWSCAST Today it was discovered that Sigmund Freud High School was bathing in corruption. Funding for the school was being used in pretty much every way BUT to fund the school. Other things uncovered include a lack of proper school maintenance, unapproved budget cuts, and even grade tampering. Head of the corruption was a school administrator, Dr. Harold Albee. Albee and other members of the administration could face serious charges. Albee is blinded by several camera flashes. He is escorted out the school with handcuffs on by the same cop from the last scene. Students gather and react in shock. David sits in detention when the newscasts speaks of "grade tampering". INT. - HALLWAYS - DAY Connor walks through the empty school halls. He looks around sentimentally. INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY Connor enters the busy room. Everyone suddenly turns and looks at him. There is a long silent pause. Suddenly, the whole classroom erupts in applause. CONNOR Thank you. Ive made too many speeches this year, so Ill keep this one brief. Maybe. If there is (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

55.

CONNOR (contd) one thing Ive learned this year its how much journalism really means to me. Its my voice. Its my passion. And I want to thank you all, even if you didnt support me the whole way, for helping me realize that. EVAN Yeah Connor. The group begins to clap again. INT. HALLWAY - DAY Connor gets a drink from the water fountain. Suddenly, Sam sneaks up behind him. SAM So how was prison? Connor jumps. CONNOR Didnt I tell you to stop doing that? SAM Sorry. Its just so funny when you get spooked. CONNOR Uh-huh. And it was far from any sort of public education prison. SAM Sorry. "Student outreach center". CONNOR I met some of the most interesting people there. The stories they told me, the struggles in their lives. Sure there were the just flat-out punks, but most of the kids had good reason to why they acted the way the did. People forget that. SAM Sounds cool. So when do you find out if you get the "extradorinaroo controversoo" award, or whatever?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

56.

CONNOR The what? Oh. I never applied for it. SAM What? Why not? CONNOR Because I realized something, Sam. Journalism isnt about having the most controversial story. I dont need controversy to have a voice. The point of journalism is to educate others about other people; provide them insight on other peoples lives. And I dont want to go to college that doesnt realize that. SAM So where are you gonna go then? CONNOR I dont know. Maybe go to a community college for a few years. They just opened a nice new place down in Wildwood. Maybe travel the world and try to hear what people have to say, and let the rest of the world know. SAM You certainly havent lost your idealism. CONNOR No, I dont think thats something I can ever let go. So do you need a ride home today? SAM Yeah, thanks. CONNOR Alright. Oh, and I have one last idea for an edition of the Voice.

57.

INT. - NEWSPAPER CLASSROOM - DAY A paper rolls off the printer. It reads: Chess Team takes nationals. Connor looks at the paper and smiles.