It was Fourth of July in Pleasantville, Ohio. Marjorie was enjoying her day at the Annual Fourth of July Parade. As silly clowns, trotting horses and boy scouts waving American Flags marched down Main Street, Marjorie anxiously awaited the Silver Spinners majorette group.

After the fire truck drove by, Marjorie heard the music and rushed through the crowd to get a front row seat. There they were, the Silver Spinners, marching and twirling their batons with such ease it looked like they were floating in the air. “How I dream of becoming a Silver Spinner,” Marjorie thought. “It would be wonderful if I could twirl in next year’s Fourth of July Parade.”I just don’t think I’m good enough to make the squad,” she sighed.

After the parade, Marjorie rushed to grandmother’s house to tell her everything she saw. Over a bowl of chocolate ice cream, Marjorie described the entire event, sharing her dream of becoming a Silver Spinner. “Oh Grandmother, I wish I could twirl my baton with the Silver Spinner majorettes next July Fourth. I just don’t think I’m good enough.” In grandmother’s wise way, she replied, “My dear Marjorie, if you work hard putting your heart and mind into it, you can achieve anything you want. You must believe in yourself.”

When Marjorie returned home from grandmother’s house, she went to bed. Lying in bed, Marjorie thought about what grandmother had said. “Tomorrow bright and early, I’ll get my baton and begin practicing.” With that in mind, Marjorie closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of becoming the best majorette the Silver Spinners ever had.

As soon as the sun peaked though the shades, Marjorie awoke extremely excited about her day. After a good breakfast, Marjorie grabbed her baton and rushed outside.

She began by practicing her marching skills, and then went through what seemed to be hundreds of twirling drills. Everything was flowing very smoothly except the triple spin. Every time Marjorie tossed her baton and began to spin she lost her balance and the baton fell to the ground. “I have to get this right. If I cannot do this, I will never make the squad,” Marjorie pouted. Repeatedly Marjorie tried, but every time the baton fell to the ground like a lead balloon.

Marjorie was quickly becoming disheartened. “I cannot do this. My dream of becoming a Silver Spinner will never be a reality.” With tears in her eyes, Marjorie left her baton on the ground and started walking to the park.