Panegyric (noun): an expression of praise

He won the election!

Leaping over fences and twirling around lamp posts, the little boy sprinted for home with the brightest smile plastered across his face. The small badge proudly displaying “VICE PRESIDENT” in golden letters bounced against his chest as his flying steps carried him out of the school gates. Joy, relief, and gratitude made him want to sing. It didn’t matter if anyone saw him, because he was the vice president of the middle school now, and no one could bully a vice president.

It was as if his body became lighter—all those backhanded comments and skeptical glares evaporated into thin air.

He laughed like a balloon bursting with helium. The second he opened the doors to his home, he shoved away his mother, who he already knew was going to act all sappy and sweet now that her son had finally earned a title. He didn’t look at his father. The man didn’t glance at him, either. Even the maid was only given a quick nod.

The little boy sped to his bedroom and launched himself at his dog.

Immediately, affectionate licks and ebullient paws rained upon him, turning the light in his body into a warm, loving glow that could rival the sun. He ruffled the floppy ears and met those earnest brown eyes—his one and only friend that truly cheered for him throughout his life.