The message the author convey through the use of irony in the passage is;
Anthony and an opponent contested for a position in the school. The students were anticipating the result of the election, so, Anthony went ahead to congratulate his opponent in advance.
His opponents smiled smugly, her braces flashing at him as she said, arrogantly, “Thanks, Anthony, and better luck next year, okay?”
At the end of the election, Anthony won to his dismay and he was asked to deliver his speech.
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