Clairisa entered my study with her eyes downcast. This was her third Saturday detention that term, and her offense was quite a breach of propriety. St. Mark's High School has a reputation for producing graduates with strong character who embrace Christian values. And Clairisa knew that she was not going to graduate without earning my approval.

She walked across the room to the writing table and waited, eyes lowed and hands clasped together. I made a point of continuing my work for several seconds before turning sideways to face her. She had dressed in the standard high school uniform of a plaid skirt with a white cotton shirt. She wore plain cotton socks and her tennis shoes were clean. Her long golden hair was tied back into a pony tail with a single pink ribbon. All within regulation. Standard uniform is not required for detention, but I did not let her effort to win my graces alter my stern expression.