The Udarnik Centre for Excellence

Named after Wallace Udarnik, The Centre for Excellence was founded to “Promote and Enrich Education Within Citropolis”. However, like so many other flashy sounding schemes in the Redevelopment Area, it ended up underfunded, and has to accommodate a far higher number of students than it was originally designed for.

As such, the school is focused on “getting by” at every level. When a small Spark Support Club was set up, the administration didn't have the time or resources to care – but, equally, there's not been any crackdown on the bullies who like to harass anyone turning up to the meetings.

The one unifying aspect of the school is the rivalry with Citropolis High. There is a general sense they look down on The Udarnik Centre, and while it may be a bit of a mess, it's our mess. The yearly brawlball match between the two is always a long anticipated event at both institutions, albeit contentious and extremely tense both on and off the pitch.

Students at The Udarnik Centre are aged 14-18.

Dr. Jai Sahin (they/them): The headteacher for The Udarnik Centre since it opened. Dr. Sahin is incredibly committed to the school, but is constantly tied up in maintaining things. As such, they don't have a lot of time to make changes around the place, and getting a meeting with them is almost impossible.

Costa Peynirci (he/him): Head of the custodial staff at the school. Costa has a number of different roles in the school, filling in for all those little jobs around the place. You've probably needed to talk to him at some point – perhaps to book out a room, unlock your computer login, or fetch your brawlball off the science block roof.

Jason Smith (xie/xir, 17): A well known bully, who'll find a reason to beat up just about anyone. Xie's also got good enough grades that the other kids see xir as pretty untouchable.

Erity Silva (she/her, 17): Best known for setting up the Spark Support Club. She's got a reputation for being a pretty nice person, but it's clear that setting up the club has been a struggle that's taking a toll on her.

Katia Wijaya (they/them, 16): A big name in The Udarnik Centre brawlball team. Despite their pretty intimidating looks, they're apparently pretty chill and approachable.

The Udarnik Centre for Excellence is a place for people who like to be just another face in the crowd. Teachers are unlikely to notice or care if you're missing from class, which can be a blessing if you're skipping school, or a curse if the bullies have you cornered round the back by the bins. It is a place where you can find success going it alone, or building a tight-knit, rag-tag group of misfits who are just as odd as you.