“Good evening, class of 2016,” said Mr. Hanley. “I have two announcements.”

The room went quiet.

“First. Five years ago, Oak Ridge High had to close its auto shop. There was no money. A lot of our students lost the one class they were good at.”

He paused.

“This autumn, it's reopening. Brand-new equipment. Six bays. Free training for any student who wants it. It will be called the Ray Sullivan Technical Center.”

At table one, Chad's head turned slowly.

“It's been paid for,” said Mr. Hanley, “by a graduate of this class. He also asked me to keep his second gift a secret. I'm afraid I'm going to break that promise.”

He looked straight at the back of the room.

“Tonight's reunion. The food. The band. Your free tickets. Every bit of it was paid for by the same person. A young man who, ten years ago, couldn't afford a prom ticket.”

The whole ballroom was silent.

“He owns twenty-two garages now,” said Mr. Hanley. “You might know them. The ones with the green trucks.”

He smiled.

“Your yearbook said he was most likely to change your oil. Ladies and gentlemen, the founder of Sullivan Auto. Nick Sullivan.”