“He wants to verify me in public,” I said.

“He told the principal it’ll be a teaching moment for the students about military standards,” she said.

Across the gym, near the side door, an older gray-bearded man in a navy blue blazer sat down at a small folding table.

He started unrolling a canvas history poster for the regional maritime heritage museum, setting his display right next to the Navy setup.

He laid his right hand flat on the wooden tabletop and watched Wyler head back toward the stage steps.