The euphoria of winning an award at graduation ceremonies will have subsided, but the sense of accomplishment will last a lifetime.
In fact, years from now that recognition of athleticism, high marks or leadership may come up at a first job interview or factor into a story after reaching other heights of fame. For some students it may represent the high-water mark of their life-long accomplishments. Regardless, getting noticed is important.
Over the last two or three decades recognizing placement in many pursuits has been replaced with honorifics like “participant” rather than first place. Certainly in the field of youth sports, keeping score and declaring a player of the game has been shied away from. This is harder to do in individual sport, but we are confident if a way could be found to minimize recognition of excellence some people would be quite happy. As an aside, for unaware parents, most kids keep score despite the protest of adults. That’s how sports work.
Back to happier notions, we merrily observed our daughter’s graduation from grade 8 at Rockwood Centennial Public School. There was a chance to see classmates and listen to two valedictorians usher in the next phase of life as students set off for high school. There were numerous awards and commendations that added to the smiles of students and beaming parents.
This scene will have played out in every municipality across Wellington County. Obstructionist to a fault, the school board is quite strict when it comes to photos and privacy. What a shame that is, because it would do the community well to know how many awesome kids there are in our midst. We all hear the negatives and the generalities about the next generation, but from our experience there are plenty of young leaders and civic-minded students that will make this world a better place.
Something we did not know until recently was that a close family friend had sponsored an award at J.D. Hogarth Public School in Fergus for 21 years. The premise of the Doreen Little award is to recognize a student with high academic achievement, leadership and athletic skills. Those attributes speak to a well-rounded student who distinguished themselves in grade 8 (this year’s winner is Cici Neerhof).
Building confidence in young people and recognizing their talents encourages betterment amongst peers. There are rewards for those who apply themselves.
Congratulations students, and thank you to sponsors who took the time to notice others.
