611: We Built This Glee Club: May 2015

Here's what you missed on Glee. Once upon a time, a man named Sandy Ryerson coached the Mckinley High Glee Club but he was accused of touching his students, yikes. William Schuester took over and the group became known as the Nude Erections, sorry New Directions. A couple years later, the Glee Club got cancelled and Will Schuester moved on to a new school. Fortunately, one of his former students didn't like the big apple and returned to Lima where he reinstalled the Glee club with the help of a football coach and a guidance councilor. And then there was a girl, a girl he decided to follow to another big city. The Glee Club was in danger of losing yet another coach and getting disbanded for good. But the boy and the girl had an idea. They wanted to ensure that every kid that ever went to William McKinley High School had a glee club. And that's what you missed on Glee.

McKinley High School, Lima

“We're live in three, two, one.”

Rod Remington fixes his navy blue tie one last time before he grins into the camera.

“Hello and welcome to We built this Glee Club a benefit for the arts. We're broadcasting live from William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, where the hosts, congressman Burt Hummel and daytime Emmy nominee Cooper Anderson have just taken the stage. Tickets for the events sold out quickly once it was announced that Telenovela Star Santana Lopez and Broadway actors Rachel Berry and Jesse St. James would perform live at the concert.”

In the school parking lot, where the Mobile Television Truck is parked, Artie switches to the camera trained on Burt and Cooper. WOHN News 8 had only gotten the rights to the show after they had agreed to let Artie direct the live broadcast. It's a first for Artie, but they had spent all day yesterday rehearsing the show and as long as everyone stuck to the script, everything should work out.

“Good evening,” Burt, who's wearing a dark grey suit Kurt had forced on him, greets the audience. “We're happy that so many of you turned out today as this concert is for an important cause. Funding for arts in school has been cut in many districts and so McKinley High is trying something new to ensure future students at McKinley will have access to the arts. With the proceeds from this benefit we are setting up two internships for students majoring in music education to ensure that the McKinley drama club and the glee club can live on independent of the school budget.”

“But this benefit isn't just for McKinley high school,” Cooper, in dark jeans and white t-shirt showing off his upper body, takes over. “You can donate for the arts in your school district by calling the number on your screen or by visiting savetheartsinschool.com. Arts in school are no less important than sports and we want all kids to have access to them not just those whose parents can afford private school. So please donate if you can. Our first performer tonight has already pledged to donate part of her salary once her show premiers. Please welcome the star of the upcoming Broadway Musical Pitch Perfect, Rachel Berry.”

Rachel, wearing an ivory cocktail dress that has the Kurt Hummel stamp of approval,  greets both Burt and Cooper with a hug before she addresses the audience.

“I wouldn't be where I am today if it hadn't been for the McKinley High Glee Club. It gave me a chance to hone my craft and introduced me to some of the best people. When I was in the Glee club we never knew how long it would still exist. We were always threatened with budget cuts and when we first started out, our former coach Will Schuester had to pay for the club out of his own pocket. I'm here today because I want to help the McKinley Glee club live on. As Burt said, we're creating two internships to ensure the kids will always have a coach even if the school refuses to pay for one. If you want to learn more about the program or are interested in applying please visit savetheartsinschool.com. And now I'd love to sing for you a song originally by David Guetta and Sia which is part of Pitch Perfect The Musical. Here's Titanium.

You shout it out,

But I cant hear a word you say

Im talking loud not saying much

Im criticized but all your bullets ricochet

You shoot me down, but I get up

Im bulletproof, nothing to lose

Fire away, fire away

Ricochet, you take your aim

Fire away, fire away

You shoot me down but I wont fall

I am titanium

You shoot me down but I wont fall

I am titanium

Burt and Cooper return to the stage after Rachel finishes her song to thunderous applause from the crowd lucky enough to have gotten a ticket to the show. Only a few years ago, the glee club couldn't get anyone to show up to their Night of Neglect benefit, but now that they have headliners who've achieved fame, the event had sold out within a few hours the day tickets went online.

“Before we ask our next star performer on stage we want to introduce you to the current McKinley Glee Club. These are the kids we're supporting tonight,” Burt announces before Cooper adds, “Please welcome the New Directions.”

The moment the current Glee club gets on stage the music to Uptown Funk starts and it doesn't take long until the audience is out of their seats and dancing and clapping along.

This hit

That ice cold

Michelle Pfeiffer

That white gold

This one, for them hood girls

Them good girls

Straight masterpieces

Stylin, while in

Livin' it up in the city

Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent

Got kiss myself I'm so pretty

“And now, please welcome one of the stars of Mujeres Desesperadas, Santana Lopez,” Cooper announces after the Glee kids leave the stage after another standing ovation from the crowd. It's a surprising reaction because many in the audience are McKinley High Students who normally don't care about the school's glee club.

Santana is wearing a tight red dress stopping above her knee, her wedding band reflecting the lights shining down on her. When she steps up to the microphone, the crowd cheers and Santana smiles at her fans before telling them why the arts matter to her.

“Glee Club wasn't just about the music for me. It allowed me to express myself in a safe environment where I could be true to myself without being judged. When I had a difficult time saying what was on my mind, my coaches showed me how to express my feelings through music and it opened up a whole new world for me. I initially joined the glee club because my cheerleading coach wanted to destroy it, but she underestimated the power of music and the effects it could have even on a girl like me. Before I joined the glee club I was angry all the time, I lashed out and thought no one would like me if they knew the real me. I'm here tonight supporting the arts because they saved me. Because of Glee Club I'm a better person today. So this song is for all of you who feel like you have to hide yourself away.”

The audience cheers again when Santana starts to sing the opening lines of Dear Prudence.

Dear Prudence, wont you come out to play?

Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day

The sun is up, the sky is blue

Its beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence, wont you come out to play?

Dear Prudence, open up your eyes

Dear Prudence, see the sunny skies

The wind is low, the birds will sing

That you are part of everything

Dear Prudence, wont you open up your eyes?

One after another, the original members of the glee club come on stage to talk about why the arts matter to them. Mercedes performs a song from her latest album before Jesse and Rachel take the stage to perform Falling Slowly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-jHXT_R5Ow

(Jesse)

I dont know you

But I want you

All the more for that

(Rachel and Jesse)

Words fall through me

And always fool me

And I cant react

(Jesse)

And games that never amount

To more than theyre meant

Will play themselves out

(Rachel and Jesse)

Take this sinking boat and point it home

Weve still got time

Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice

Youll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me

And I cant go back

Moods that take me and erase me

And Im painted black

(Jesse)

You have suffered enough

And warred with yourself

Its time that you won

(Rachel and Jesse)

Take this sinking boat and point it home

Weve still got time

Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice

Youll make it now

After, Rachel leads Jesse backstage while Burt and Cooper explain more about the internship. She doesn't stop until they are in her dressing room where she turns around, loops her arms around Jesse's neck and presses her lips against his.

“I tried to fight it but I'm falling for you,” she whispers against his lips and Jesse freezes.

‘Are you sure? I thought you were seeing someone.” Rachel shakes her head.

“Not anymore. I'm ready to give us another chance if you are,” she puts her heart on the line. There are no guarantees that Jesse wont hurt her again, but Rachel knows she would regret it if she didn't give them another chance.

“I'm going to do it right this time,” Jesse promises before he kisses her back. “I couldn't live with myself if I hurt you again.”

Back on stage, Burt and Cooper are introducing Kurt and Blaine.

“Sometimes people get lucky and get discovered before they even set a foot into college. But most aspiring artists struggle and not everyone who's in their high school choir or drama club will want or get to have a career in the arts. But if a career in the arts is your goal, applying to a performing arts school is step in the right direction. Our next performers haven't had their big break yet, but if you ask us, it's only a matter of time.”

“And yes, maybe we're biased,” Cooper takes over,  “because we're talking about my brother and Burt's son, who are both enrolled in top New York performing arts programs and have been promised bright futures by their professors. Please welcome Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson.”

“Gee thanks Coop,” Blaine laughs as he steps on stage with Kurt, both dressed to the nines because you never know who will watch the broadcast. “Please tell me which professor said that because I must have missed the memo.”

“Blaine is right,” Kurt adds. “Even if you get into a performing arts program, there's no guarantee that you'll have a successful career. You have to be willing to work hard, and you're probably going to hear a lot of nos before you get your first yes. But without the Glee club, I'm not sure I would have even tried. The Glee Club gave me a chance to be on a stage, a chance to figure out if a career in the arts was at all feasible for me. Every competition we didn't win, made us work harder and taught us how to handle rejections.”

“But the Glee club meant more than that to us. It was our safe space in a school that seemed to hate us on principal. And we're here today because we want all students to have such a safe space,” Blaine tacks on.

“Tonight, we're going to sing a song that has become our motto over the years. This is The Show Must Go On from Queen.”

(Blaine)

Empty spaces - what are we living for

Abandoned places - I guess we know the score

(Blaine and Kurt)

On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for…

(Blaine)

Another hero, another mindless crime

Behind the curtain, in the pantomime

Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore

(Kurt)

The show must go on

The show must go on

Inside my heart is breaking

My make up may be flaking

But my smile stays on…

“The Show Must Go On, that's why we are all here tonight. Together, we can ensure that the arts will stay in school.” Burt, Cooper and all the current and previous member of the New Directions who made the trek to Lima join Blaine and Kurt on stage.

“Maybe being part of a glee club is not as cool as wearing a letterman jacket,” Puck takes over, wearing Finn's football jersey, “but who says you can't do both? Who says we can only fund the sports and not sports and the arts. Who says the science club is less important than basketball? In high school I was what you call a juvenile delinquent and it was my football coach and my friends in the glee club who helped me graduate from high school. Don't make kids choose between sports and the arts. Let's tell them you can do both instead.”

“So please join our cause and donate if you can. A trust organized by congressman Burt Hummel will ensure that your donation will reach the schools in need of funding,” Cooper adds before Rachel takes his microphone.

“We'd like to thank everyone who has come out tonight to support us and the arts. We had a blast performing for you. and before we leave we have one more song for you. It's a New Directions original, written for show choir regionals 2011. If you've heard our anthem before and know the lyrics, sing along. This is Loser Like Me.”

(Unique)

Yeah, you make think that I'm a zero

But hey, everyone you wanna be

Probably started off like me

You may say that I'm a freakshow ( I don't care)

But, hey give me just a little time

I bet you're gonna change your mind

(Santana and Brittany)

All of the dirt you've been throwing my way

It ain't so hard to take, that's right

‘Cause I know one day you'll be screaming my name

And I'll just look away, that's right

===

(Spencer and Madison)

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth

So everyone can hear

(Mason and Jane)

Hit me with the worst you got and knock me down

Baby I don't care

(Tina)

Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out

You'll wanna be

You'll wanna be

(ND 1.0 and 3.0)

A loser like me

A loser like me

===

(Kurt)

Push me up against the locker

And hey, all I do is shake it off

I'll get you back when I'm your boss

I'm not thinking ‘bout you haters

‘Cause hey, I could be a superstar

I'll see you when you wash my car

(Blaine)

All of the dirt you've been throwing my way

It ain't so hard to take, that's right

‘Cause I know one day you'll be screaming my name

And I'll just look away, that's right

===

(Sam)

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth

So everyone can hear

(Puck)

Hit me with the worst you got and know me down

I don't care

(Mercedes)

Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out

You wanna be

You wanna be

(ND 1.0 + 3.0)

A loser like me

A loser like me

===

(Glee Guys)

Hey, you, over there

Keep the L up in the air

Hey you over there

Keep the L up cause I don't care

You can throw your sticks and you can throw your stones

Like a rocket, just watch me go

Yeah, L-O-S-E-R

I can only be who I are

===

(Roderick)

So go ahead and hate one and run your mouth

So everyone can hear

(Rachel)

Hit me with the worst you got and knock me down

Baby I don't care

(Santana)

Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out

You'll wanna be

You'll wanna be

(Santana and Brittany)

A loser like me

A loser like me

===

(ND 1.0 + 3.0  + Cooper and Jesse)

So go ahead and hate one and run your mouth

So everyone can hear

Hit me with the worst you got and knock me down

Baby I don't care

Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out

You'll wanna be

You'll wanna be

A loser like me

A loser like me

A loser like me

Out in the parking lot, Artie wipes the sweat of his brow and switches to the camera filming Rod Remington in the green room.

“And that's it for the live broadcast. Stay tuned for backstage interviews with congressman Hummel, Santana Lopez, Rachel Berry and many more.”

Hummel Home, Lima

“What's the verdict?” Kurt asks later that night, curled up on his family's living room couch with Blaine while Burt checks how many donations have come in so far.

His dad frowns and Kurt fears the worst. What if no one donated and the only money they've made was from ticket sales and money Rachel, Jesse and Santana have donated so far. It would enable them to install the two paid internships at McKinley but wouldn't leave them with money for other schools in the state. But then his dad smiles and his worries disappear.

“We did good.”

“Yes,” Puck entering the living room with a beer in his hand fist bumps the air. When Burt frowns, he adds. “Hey I'm totally legal now.”

“I'm more concerned with you kids drinking all my light beer. It's the only stuff Kurt and Carole allow me to drink.”

Blaine, who's about to uncap his own beer, puts the bottle opener down and offers Burt the bottle.

“Sorry, I'll get some wine. Do you want another glass?” he turns to Kurt who quickly finishes the wine in his glass.

“Why not. We're celebrating after all.”

‘We should have a party,” Puck suggests and takes a seat next to Kurt while Blaine heads into the kitchen to get more wine.

“And I'm guessing you want to do it here?” Burt stares at Puck who doesn't even flinch.

“Well, the Berrys don't live here anymore, so yeah, thanks Burt,” Puck replies and Burt sighs.

“Fine. But you buy your own drinks and clean up after. Don't make me lock up the bar,” he adds, pointing his finger at Puck. “God knows why you are staying with us. Rachel, I understand, but doesn't your mom still live here?”

Puck just shrugs. “It's much nicer here.”

“It's too bad Quinn couldn't make it,” Kurt observes. “He'd be over at her house instead of ours,” he adds with a wink earning him a light punch to the shoulder from Puck.

“Did I hear something about a party?” a freshly showered Rachel joins them. “I can make drink tickets so the McKinley kids don't get too drunk.”

“And that's my cue to leave,” Burt gets out of his chair and heads toward the sliding door leading to the backyard, beer in hand. “I'd prefer it if no underage drinking is happening in my house - and I'm not talking about the college students,” he pointedly stares at Blaine who hasn't turned 21 yet, “but if anyone does drink, please make sure they get home safely. I'm up for reelection next year and the last thing I need is a scandal, okay.”

“Of course,” Kurt promises. “We'll keep an eye on the New Directions. We're probably going to invite Emma, Shannon and Will too, so maybe they won't dare to drink anyway.”

“I'd prefer it but I haven't forgotten what you kids got up to in high school.” Again Burt points at Blaine, who blushes.

‘Dad,” Kurt protests, “that was years ago. Stop teasing him about it. Blaine had one of the worst hangovers of his life, that should be punishment enough.”

Burt smirks. “Sorry kiddo, but I can't wait to tell the story to your kids when they are old enough. How the second time I met their dad was when I found him hungover in my son's bed.”

“Wait what?” Puck exclaims. “I thought you weren't doing it for ages after you two met.”

Kurt turns an even darker shade of red. “We weren't,” he hisses. “Definitely not until college.”

Burt just shakes his head. “If you wanted me to believe that, you should've been a better liar in high school. And a sock drawer is never a good place to hide stuff from your parents especially if your parents are still doing your laundry,” he adds with a wink before heading out into the backyard, laughing.

“Told you he knew,” Blaine turns to Kurt who glares at his boyfriend and takes his wallet out of his back pocket and hands Blaine a ten dollar bill.

“Is there anything you don't bet on?” Rachel asks as Blaine pockets his winnings. He shares a look with Kurt before they simultaneously shake their heads. “No. But usually we don't bet money,” he adds with a wink, causing Kurt to blush.

“So, the party,” Kurt changes the subject. “If we're having a party, it has to happen tomorrow night, everyone's leaving Sunday afternoon.”

“Don't worry, I got it,” Puck says, and Kurt has to remind himself that Puck's in the army now and if the army trusts him to defend the country, Kurt should trust that Puck can throw a party that doesn't wreck the house.

William McKinley High School, Lima

Unique and Kitty approach the sign up sheet they'd put up after the benefit, both wearing large black sunglasses to protect their eyes from the glaring lights. Apparently what the first batch of  New Directions had told them was true, you could be hungover for two days in a row. The grown up teachers had left the party early on and as soon as they were gone, all bets were off, Sam and Mercedes turning a blind eye to the drinking, the moment the current ND had handed over their car keys.

“I'm glad it's only two weeks till graduation and we're pretty much done with school,” Kitty groans before they stop in front of the sign up sheet. It's not just Kitty's jaw that drops. Because there must be at least thirty names on the list, all signing up to audition for next year's glee club.

“Wow,” Unique gasps. “Who knew that all we needed to make Glee popular were a few famous alumni.”

They are joined by the other members of the glee club, all in equal bad shape.

“I'm never drinking again,” Madison groans. “Why did no one stop me.”

“Because you insisted you were mature enough to know when you had enough,” Kitty reminds her before stepping aside so her friends can see the sign up sheet as well.

“Unless they all suck, at least you'll have enough members for competitions next year,” Unique smiles. “Though I'm pretty sure no one will be able to replace me and Kitty.”

“Hey,” Roderick exclaims. “I'm graduating too.”

“Yeah, but you're also a newbie. Kitty and I, we were already in ND when Sam, Artie, Brittany and Tina were still members. At this point, we're glee club legacies.”

A moment later, Unique and Kitty shriek when two members of the hockey team dump two raspberry slushies on their head.

“Legacies indeed,” the remaining members of the glee club laugh when they realize they have been spared themselves.

Apparently, some McKinley students haven't gotten the memo yet that Glee's cool now.

The Lima Bean, Ohio

Sam, Mercedes, Emma and Shannon are meeting with the two finalists for the McKinley internships at the Lima Bean because they thought an informal setting would make everyone more comfortable. When two young men approach the table, Mercedes gasps.

“Now I know why your names sounded familiar,” she gasps. “Sam it's the Warblers.”

The two young men, Nick Duvall and Jeff Sterling laugh. “Former Warblers, but yes, we've met before.” When Emma and Shannon frown in confusion, Jeff explains. “Nick and I went to Dalton with Blaine Anderson and Kurt Hummel for a bit. They told us about the internship when they heard we were studying music education at Ohio State.”

“Oh great, so you're familiar with the New Directions,” Emma smiles at the two students.

“Lost against them more than once,” Nick grumbles, “but at least it gave us ample opportunities to study their strengths and weaknesses.”

“I gotta say, you two were our first pick before I knew who you are but now that I know I think you should get it even more. As long as you can promise that you won't sabotage the New Directions should they compete against the Warblers,” Mercedes teases them.

“The had their chance at Nationals this year, and everyone we know is graduating next week. I don't care if the new Warblers lose,” Jeff assures her, not getting that Mercedes was just teasing him.

“And you'll help the kids break into Dalton in case the Warblers steal our trophies again?” Sam asks and Emma and Shannon put their fingers into their ears because sometimes it's better not to know what their kids get up to.

“Definitely. We know all the short cuts,” Nick promises before he shakes Sam's proffered hand.

“So can we make it official?” Mercedes asks. “Can we give the glee club to Nick and Jeff? I”m sure they'll get along great with the current members.”

“Yes, can we?” Sam turns to Emma and Shannon who both laugh.

“You know it's your club, right. We're only co-coaches because the school board wouldn't have agreed to resurrect the glee club otherwise.”

Sam hits his head. “Right. I forgot I was in charge.” He turns to Nick and Jeff with a huge smile on his face. “Welcome aboard. The Glee club 2015/16 is yours.”

“Yes!” Nick and Jeff fist bump the air. “Awesome, thanks guys.”

“And if you have some time tomorrow afternoon, we're holding auditions for next year's glee club. Would be great if you could be there and help us decide who should get in,” Mercedes tells them.

“We'll make time,” Jeff assures her. “We saw the benefit on TV because we couldn't get tickets and the current group's great. But I'm curious to find out what other talent McKinley has been hiding.”

“Don't we all,” Mercedes agrees before she heads to the counter to get a round of celebratory cupcakes.

McKinley High Auditorium, Lima

The next day at auditions for the Glee Club, Nick and Jeff meet the members of the New Directions. Kitty and Unique they've met before, but they've only seen the others for the first time during the live concert. Thankfully, everyone is very welcoming, even Kitty and Unique who were members of the ND when the Warblers stole their trophy and were disqualified because of doping. And they are all very talented. The same can't be said about the majority of the students auditioning, but at the end of the evening, they managed to find twelve students to replace the three graduating ones. With the Warblers, they never had to worry whether they'd have enough members to compete or not because the Warblers were hugely popular at Dalton, but Nick and Jeff know from the stories Blaine told them that the New Directions often struggled to get enough members. But not next year. Next year, if no one changes their minds, they'll have more than enough students in the glee club to compete. And hopefully win. Because Nick and Jeff never even went to Nationals, but maybe they could as coaches.

William McKinley High School, Lima

And then finally the day is here. Graduation.

“We can finally leave this cow town,” Kitty smiles as she and Unique walk towards the school. “Though I'm going to miss you.”

“I'll miss you too, but we can always Skype and meet up when we're back here for Christmas,” Unique promises her before the two girls share a hug.

“I can't believe that we have to sing We are the champions again,” she adds as she pushes open the door. “If I was in charge, I'd have picked Fuck You by Lily Allen - well, after I'd gotten my diploma. The last thing I need is another year in this hellhole because some of my credits disappeared mysteriously again.”

“But it would feel so good to tell McKinley fuck you,” Kitty agrees. “And I was lucky enough to be popular.”

In the hallway, they run into Roderick, also dressed in his graduation robes.

“Did you hear, the superintendent is going to announce today who the new principal is going to be,” he tells the girls who shrug.

“I hope it's not some douche for the sake of ND, but we're outta here. I honestly don't care about McKinley's principal,” Unique tells him and Kitty nods.

“Anyone has to be better than Sue Sylvester right?”

Together the three seniors walk to the auditorium, bitching some more about having to sing We Are The Champions again. The auditorium is packed with friends and family of the class of 2015, and Kitty waves at Mercedes before taking her seat next to Unique and Roderick. Mercedes and Sam are the only former members of the New Directions still in town as the others had to return to college and work. But it's okay. In the cause of the school year, Kitty and Unique have become good friends with the twins and Jane and even Spencer warmed up to her. Though never as much as he warmed to Unique. She still thinks it's sad that the two of them never got the chance to explore if there really was anything between them. Hopefully future generations at McKinley would be evolved enough to accept that love comes in many forms. At least, there would still be a glee club to offer students a safe space where they could be open and true to themselves.

Kitty's brought back from her musings when the superintendent steps on stage and approaches the microphone.

“Welcome students, friends and families of the graduating class of 2015. Before I ask this year's valedictorian Lisa Parish to give her speech, I'd like to make an announcement. For the past couple of weeks  we have has been interviewing candidates for the position of principal and vice principal of William McKinley High School and we've reached a decision. Please welcome on stage McKinley's new principal Shannon Beiste and vice principal Emma Pillsbury - Schuester.”

It's a testament to the popularity of the two teachers that the students in the crowd actually clap and cheer following the superintendents announcement. Kitty and Unique cheer loudly as well, because it's easier to give a fuck about who's in charge at your old school if it's the people who helped you a lot while you were still in school.

“That's amazing!” Mercedes turns to Sam a few rows behind the graduating seniors.

“It is,” Sam agrees. “I feel so much better now about leaving for L.A knowing that the school and the kids are in good hands. And I have a surprise for you as well.”

Sam's smiling brightly so it has to be a good surprise. “Tell me.”

“My academic advisor helped me apply to colleges in the L.A area and I got accepted into one. I can even transfer the few credits I got this semester at Rhodes.”

“That's amazing!” Mercedes exclaims, ignoring the girl giving a speech on stage and kissing Sam deeply. They only pull apart when someone clears their throat behind them, both blushing.

“We'll it's not UCLA, but my advisor thinks that I should apply after I finished two years of community college. And who knows, maybe now that I know what I want to focus on, school will be a bit easier for me.”
“You're going to be a great social worker. All those kids will be lucky to have you,” Mercedes tells her boyfriend before she kisses him again, because you know what, they are about to leave Lima for good, so who cares if some parents or teachers disapprove of the PDA.

On stage, the valedictorian ends her speech to sparse applause, but judging from the bored expressions all around, it couldn't have been very riveting. She's replaced with two women smiling brightly.

“Today, we're saying goodbye to a group of young adults whom we only wish the best. We're saving the speeches for the next school year because we know you all just want your diploma and get out of here,” Principal Beiste jokes.

“So without further ado, here are the New Directions to give you a proper send off.”

As the remaining four members of the Glee Club file on stage, Unique gets up from her seat to take the first line.

(Unique)

I've paid my dues

Time after Time

I've done my sentence

But committed no crime

As she sings, the first seniors receive their diplomas and Unique finally accepts hers before she joins the New Directions on stage. In the audience, Kitty stands up to take the next line.

(Kitty)

And bad mistakes

I've made a few

I've had my share of sand kicked in my face

But I've come through

She joins the New Directions on stage as well, before Roderick takes the first chorus.

(Roderick)

We are the champions, my friends

And we'll keep on fighting t'ill the end

We are the champions

We are the champions

No time for losers

“Cause we are the champions of the world

Roderick collects his diploma from principal Beiste and joins the New Directions on stage where they finish the song together. Kitty's the last to receive her diploma, but as soon as the song ends, the three seniors throw heir caps into the air.

“Fucking finally,” Unique yells, who, thanks to Sue hadn't be able to graduate the previous year.

‘We're finally getting out of Lima,” Kitty rejoices as well.

“And Ohio,” Roderick adds with a smile on his face.

They are joined by Mercedes and Sam who pull the three graduates into a bone crushing hug.

“We need to get together once you're settled in L.A,” Mercedes tells Unique. “You're going to love it, I'm sure.”

“You never told us where you're going after graduation,” Sam turns to Roderick, feeling a little guilty that he doesn't know what all his students' plans are.

“Oh, I'm heading to Chicago as well. I got into Chicago Polytech,” Roderick smiles. “You think we're going to stay in touch?” he asks Kitty.

Six months ago, she probably would have given him a different answer, but now Kitty smiles at Roderick.

“I'd like that.”

Before they can talk more, they are surrounded by their families, but neither of the graduates is worried about never seeing the others again. The former members of the New Directions are living proof that friendships can last past high school.

New York, NYADA, Madam Tibideaux's office

“Come in.”

Kurt enters the dean's office trying to hide how nervous he is. The last few months have been exhausting, trying to catch up to the students who started a semester ahead of him. The last couple of days were devoted to end of term exams and Madam Tibideaux has called him to her office to discuss his results.

“Mr. Hummel, please take a seat,” the dean tells him with a smile on her face and Kurt relaxes instantly. “Your teachers were all really pleased with how far you've come and you should be able to access your grades online in a few hours. But I know you've been anxious to hear our decision, so I thought I'd tell you personally. Congratulations, come fall you'll officially be a senior and barring any complications will graduate next spring.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Kurt exclaims, only barely refraining from hugging the dean. “I won't disappoint you.”

“See that you don't. You are one of my most talented students and I expect great things from you.”

The moment he's back outside in the hallway, he calls Blaine.

“You can send out the email. I”m graduating next spring.”

======

SAVE THE DATE

We are tying the knot and would love it if you celebrate with us.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Invitations will follow once we have figured out all details.

Love

Blaine & Kurt

Notes:

Music used in this episode:

Glee 3.0 : Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
Mercedes: Into the light- Original 
Rachel: Titanium - David Guetta feat. Sia 
Santana: Dear Prudence by the Beatles in the style of Across the Universe
Rachel and Jesse: Falling Slowly - Once
Kurt and Blaine: The Show Must Go On - Queen
Loser Like Me: The Glee Club current and past - Glee Original
Glee 3.0: We are the Champions - Queen