Final answer:
The theme of the story revolves around the preferential focus on athletics over academics for student athletes like Grant, while its message questions the educational system's values. The topic addresses the imbalance between sports and education in schools.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage provided suggests a theme of prioritizing athletic success over academic achievement. As Grant only attended special study sessions for football, the notion of education taking a backseat to sports is highlighted. This theme reflects on broader societal values and the pressure places on student athletes.
The message here seems to question the integrity of an educational system that allows athletic pursuits to overshadow academic rigor. It prompts readers to reflect on the purpose of education and the role that athletics play within it. This scenario could imply a criticism of how institutions may compromise educational standards for the sake of athletic performance.
The topic revolves around the balance, or lack thereof, between sports and academics in school environments. It showcases the conflict that arises when the two are not held in equal esteem and the potential consequences of such an imbalance. This is a common discussion when analyzing the pressures and privileges faced by student athletes in school settings.