My Dad Smashed My Trophy on Graduation Day — But the Words He Spoke That Night Hurt Worse Than the Sound of Shattering Glass When the principal called my name — “Sophie Hart, Valedictorian!” — it felt like the universe held its breath. My tassel brushed my cheek. My medal pressed warm against my skin. And for one perfect heartbeat, every early-morning bus ride, every greasy diner shift, every midnight essay felt worth it. The bleachers erupted. My classmates cheered. Someone whistled. I lifted t