c158: Excellent Student Commendation Conference!!
"Dear students, all the courses and activities of the Pallet Town Pokémon Summer Camp have now officially concluded. Throughout these two weeks, each of you has demonstrated remarkable growth, enthusiasm, and a strong spirit of learning. I am truly moved by your progress..."
"I hope you will continue to learn from your Pokémon companions, value the bonds you've built here, and deepen the friendships that have begun during this camp." Professor Oak stood tall at the front of the camp auditorium the same one where the short Pokémon documentary had been screened on the first day. Wearing his trademark white researcher coat, his voice was both gentle and inspiring.
Student A: "Yes, Professor!"
Student B: "Yes!!"
Student Z: "Yes!!"
The seated summer camp students, gathered in tidy rows beneath the high ceiling of the wooden auditorium, responded in chorus. Their faces were lit with excitement, pride, and a bit of nostalgia, as their summer adventure was now nearing its end.
"Now, we come to a cherished tradition of every summer camp: the recognition of our Excellent Students. I believe many of you have been looking forward to this moment. As always, this honor is awarded to the top-performing participants, those who showed excellence in teamwork, knowledge, and spirit."
"According to the rules of the Pokémon Summer Camp, the students who achieve the top three positions in the final cumulative assessment will receive the title of 'Excellent Student of the Camp.'"
"However, this year we've had an extraordinary outcome. Due to ties and overlapping scores, more than three students have qualified. I take that as a positive sign it speaks volumes about the quality and dedication of this year's class. Ash Ketchum, Serena, Shauna, Blue (Xiaolan), Gary, Tierno, and Trevor please come forward to the stage."
Student A: "Clap clap clap..."
Student B: "Clap clap clap!"
Student Z: "Clap clap clap!"
As Ash and the others rose from their seats and walked toward the podium, a hushed respect fell over the room, followed by thunderous applause. The eyes of the other students followed them with admiration especially Ash, who had distinguished himself with perfect scores in the final ranking.
While all the students respected Serena, Shauna, and the others, there was also a quiet recognition that many of them had benefited from their friendships with Ash. Without his guidance and support especially during battles, obstacle courses, and wilderness survival tasks it would have been difficult for some of them to earn such high placements.
Yet, just like in the real world, people come from different starting lines. Some children are born in affluent families, while others, born in humbler homes, may struggle just to afford their first Poké Ball or pay the Earl Dervish Pokémon license tax. Friends, too, can be considered a form of privilege.
Tierno and Trevor, for example, had been assigned to Ash's cabin—Pichu Dorm on the very first day. That early bond with Ash helped them grow tremendously during the camp, as he guided them through each challenge and inspired them to do better.
Many of the other students could only sigh inwardly and wonder: What if I'd made friends with Ash earlier?
Of course, Ash had no idea what they were thinking. Even though he had awakened the power of Aura and could sense emotions or thoughts if he focused, he wasn't one to use his abilities irresponsibly. He never intruded on someone's privacy with his aura sensing or budding psychic power.
Standing on the podium, surrounded by friends who had shared these memorable two weeks with him, Ash felt a deep sense of happiness. He caught Serena's eyes and gave her an encouraging nod. Her ankle still hurt slightly, but she stood proudly next to him, beaming.
"Aside from the top scorers," Professor Oak continued, "there are also a number of students who showed exceptional effort, improvement, and character. They too will receive the title of 'Excellent Student of the Pokémon Summer Camp.' Their commitment reflects the true heart of a Trainer."
The auditorium erupted again with applause as more names were called, recognizing the students who had shown courage during the forest survival night, compassion in Pokémon care workshops, and skill during the mini-tournament events.
Outside, the sun filtered through the canopy of the Pallet forest, and inside the camp hall, a group of children stood on the cusp of their future journeys united by one unforgettable summer.
"They are…" Hearing Professor Oak's announcement, the students below, who had just been whispering excitedly, immediately straightened up in their seats. Each camper sat upright with bright, expectant eyes, quietly hoping they might be among the names called.
Standing on the podium, Ash looked down at the crowd, and a tide of emotion stirred in his chest.
Excluding Chun (Xiaochun), who had voluntarily withdrawn from the camp early, and Goh (Xiaohao), who had been disqualified for violating rules, there had originally been a total of 98 registered campers. Yet, now, only a select few would receive the prestigious title of Excellent Student of the Pokémon Summer Camp.
This underscored a sobering truth: only a small number of participants those with truly outstanding performance and talent would be officially recognized by Professor Oak and the Pokémon League. These students would be tracked, guided, and even funded in future training. Most others, no matter how enthusiastic, would fade into the background of mediocrity, becoming average Trainers or even giving up their Pokémon journeys altogether.
In truth, the fierce competition within the Pokémon professional world began right here. While everyone sitting in this camp hall might now be equals many coming from common or modest families their future destinies would soon diverge.
Once the summer camp ended and these children officially began their Pokémon Trainer careers at the age of 10, the gap between them would begin to widen. And Ash Ketchum was determined to stand at the very top. Just as he led the summer camp now, he would lead the world later.
"In addition to the top three students," Professor Oak continued, "the following five campers will also be honored as Excellent Students of the Summer Camp: Hinata (Xunzi), Karin (Xiaolin), Shin (Si Cong), and two others from the top ten of the final Achievement Score Ranking."
Though these five had not placed in the top three, their selection was far from random. Their consistent scores in various camp activities Pokémon strategy, wilderness survival, team coordination, and performance evaluations had clearly placed them near the top.
When the second round of names ended, the rest of the students, although visibly disappointed, did not complain. There were no boos or sulky glances. After all, it was clear the results had been earned through real effort and talent.
Onstage, Professor Oak personally handed each of the twelve recognized students a Summer Camp Excellent Student Medal. Each medal was beautifully engraved with their name and position and even differentiated by material to denote their ranking.
Ash, having placed first, received a Gold Medal, engraved with the League's sigil and a special Aura design.
Serena, Shauna, and Blue (Xiaolan), who tied for second, received Silver Medals.
Gary, Tierno, and Trevor, who placed third, were awarded Bronze Medals.
The remaining five Hinata, Karin, Shin, and two others were honored with Iron Medals (Tetsu), the standard for special recognitions just outside the podium ranks.
Along with these medals came a set of official League rewards, carefully structured to reflect each student's achievement:
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First Prize (Ash):
The Pokémon League grants early Trainer status before the age of 10.
Authorized to officially own up to three Pokémon in advance.
Ten Royal Earl Dervish Pokémon selection vouchers, issued free of charge (usable for exclusive species normally unavailable to novice Trainers).
Second Prize (Serena, Shauna, Blue):
Early Trainer status granted.
Authorized to own two Pokémon in advance.
One Royal Yusanjia (starter trio) Pokémon voucher, issued free of charge.
Third Prize (Gary, Tierno, Trevor):
Early Trainer status granted.
Authorized to own one Pokémon in advance.
One Yusanjia Earl Dervish Pokémon voucher, issued free of charge.
Fourth Tier Prize (Hinata, Karin, Shin, and the remaining two):
Early Trainer status granted.
Authorized to own one Pokémon in advance.
One voucher for a Yusanjia starter Pokémon, issued for a fee.
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Although the last five students didn't receive free Pokémon like the top scorers, even their rewards were considered extremely generous. In this world, Earl Dervish Pokémon rare, carefully bred Pokémon issued by the League were considered elite choices for Trainers. Many common families couldn't even secure a reservation, let alone afford the Earl Dervish tax required to receive one.
Being able to obtain a Yusanjia starter Pokémon—like Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle ahead of the standard debut age was a monumental advantage. These Pokémon were not just symbols of strength, but also gateways to future opportunities such as Gym challenges and regional tournaments.
So while not everyone could take home the gold like Ash, even the specially awarded students had much to be proud of. And for Ash himself, who had claimed the top ranking with perfect scores, anything less than such a reward would not have been worthy of his status as number one.
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