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Natural Born Leader

Album: 31: Days to Remember

Episode: 409

Lesson/Theme: Misjudging Others

Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 16:7

Characters: Jared, Mandy, Whit

Writer: Marshal Younger

Sound Designer:

Original Air Date: October 3, 1998

Last Air Date: August 17, 2009

Description:
While reading the Odyssey Owl one day, Jared DeWhite is inspired by a poem about dinosaurs entitled "People We Know," by Charles VanHorn. He interprets it as criticizing the student council and a call to replace them in the upcoming election. Jared talks to Charles about his poem, continuing to misinterpret the meaning, and urges Charles to run for student council, not realizing he is a special ed. student. Jared shows the poem to Whit, who doesn't see the significance that Jared sees, and tells Whit that he and Dwayne are handling Charles' campaign for student council. Jared announces Charles' campaign at school, doing all the talking for Charles. Later, Charles is cornered by reporters from the Odyssey Owl, who ask him to interpret his poem. Not understanding, Charles simply agrees with their interpretation, making the reporters think he is a good candidate. The whole student body is caught up in Charles' simple statements about dinosaurs, attaching hidden meaning to what he says. Whit realizes that Charles has no idea what he has gotten himself into and goes to see Principal Johnson. He finds out Charles is in special ed. and decides it's time to talk to Jared about the election. Whit, Jared, Charles, and Charles' mother meet to talk about the election and Charles argues that he can continue the campaign even though he is in special ed. because he is special in the eyes of God. The next day, Charles makes his speech, admitting that he may not be the smartest kid but he does have some good ideas for the school.

Questions:
How did Jared respond when he found out Charles was in a Special Education class? Even though Charles may not have been as smart as some of his classmates, what can we tell about his character that are even more important than being smart? What are some ways you can be kind to someone who may be different than you?