At halftime, as homecoming floats circled the field, Allison Gibbons, a member of the student council, entered the press box, stood before the microphone, and asked for everyone's attention. The crowd grew silent as she began to read the letter. "I was watching the crowd while Allison read it," Andy said. "When she finished, there was silence, and then almost everyone stood up and cheered. All the students stood up. And the football players were all clapping. It was a wonderful feeling to know that we had people behind us." Why does the crowd grow silent after the speech? The crowd is angered because they feel attacked. The crowd is moved by the students’ compassion. The crowd is puzzled about the students’ letter. The crowd is saddened because they feel ashamed.