Theme

Evidence

Connection to plot

Connection to character

Tradition is a powerful force

“I gave service to the mind of three generations of boys”

He was servicing aka teaching academics to three generations of boys

He wants to keep teaching the boys the same stuff because of the success in the past

Your youth may define your adulthood

“But Sedgewick Bell then began to add the dangerous element of natural leadership which is based on the physical strength of his features to his otherwise puerile antics. He organized the boys”

He is a natural born leader with looks and brains but doesn't fully utilise his strengths and if he keeps slacking then all that could just disappear but with help he can become something great.

If he keeps up with his work he can prove that he can be a great leader in his adulthood.

Your moral character is your greatest asset

“Sedgewick bell cast his eyes downward, and it was at that moment that i realized he was cheating”

He had been showing lots of improvement in school which got him into the contest but when the teacher realised he was cheating it shows him Sedgwick's true morals  

In the future he will most likely be taking the easy way out of everything and always trying to cut corners but will pursue to be a leader just not in the best way.