Hounded

Columbus Hall is the prestigious school where the scholarship competition takes place, setting the central conflict between merit and nepotism. The Van Dusen pool house and the Martin family home are key settings where the protagonists confront plagiarism, dog-related chaos, and family tension. Starkwell Military Academy represents the punitive future for Ronny if the truth isn’t upheld, symbolizing an institution of discipline and consequence. The overall geography spans the school, the home front, and a boarding-style academy, underscoring the clash between opportunity and favoritism.

🏛️ Nepotism

Nepotism drives key decisions at Columbus Hall, shaping who receives opportunities and who is sidelined. Ward Van Dusen uses his position to advance his family while attempting to suppress the truth about theft and plagiarism. Armand Columbus returns to restore fairness, revealing how privilege can corrupt an institution. The story ultimately critiques favoritism that tramples merit and integrity.

🛡️ Integrity

Jay and Mike pursue integrity by protecting the honors of the scholarship and exposing the deception surrounding the stolen presentation. The characters navigate pressure from authority figures to hide the truth, choosing instead to reveal it publicly. The dog Camille’s behavior also functions as a test of loyalty and moral steadiness. The resolution reaffirms merit-based reward over manipulation.

👬 Sibling Rivalry

Jay and Mike form a makeshift alliance against a common adversary, turning sibling rivalry into a cooperative effort to defend family honor. The dynamic contrasts youth ambition with experienced manipulation from Ward and Ronny. Their plan to outsmart Ronny relies on trust, strategy, and shared goals. In the end, the brothers achieve justice together.

🔎 Justice

The narrative builds toward uncovering truth and accountability, culminating in Ward’s demotion and Armand’s comeback. The competition is reopened and Jay is rightfully awarded the Peterson scholarship, illustrating that justice favors genuine merit. Ronny faces consequences at Starkwell, marking a corrective path away from nepotism. The resolution solidifies a sense of rightful order in the school’s ecosystem.