At my son’s previous school, he consistently earned most of the academic accolades. He puts in a lot of effort, stays focused, and completes his assignments with excellence. I’ve never had to nudge him to tackle his homework or prepare for exams. Yes, he’s genuinely bright.
During the awards ceremony, just before the principal began announcing the winners, he made a surprising statement: “As we hand out the awards, please refrain from clapping or being overly loud. This isn’t a sports event, so let’s save our applause for the end when we can give a quick cheer before returning to class.”
I was taken aback. I clasped my hands in my lap and felt a wave of sadness. For my son, this moment is his “championship.” School is where he excels and dedicates his energy. While he may never receive a trophy for scoring the winning basket, he certainly deserves recognition for his straight A’s or achieving the highest GPA in his grade. While he could join a debate or science club, if that’s not his passion, then school is where he shines.
Why Can’t We Celebrate Academic Achievements?
Why is being an academic hero treated differently than being a sports hero? Why can’t we celebrate the child who possesses a sharp mind with the same enthusiasm we reserve for the one who has speed? The kid who studies diligently deserves the same recognition as the athlete who practices tirelessly.
As the principal wrapped up his speech, I noticed parents and students lowering their signs and tucking their hands away. The excitement in the bleachers seemed to vanish. Each student approached the podium in silence, accepting their awards before quietly returning to their seats. Occasionally, a parent would break the rule with an excited clap for their child, but like my son, I tend to follow the rules, so I kept my applause to myself as he walked down the aisle.
This moment took me back to when he entered the cafeteria for his kindergarten orientation. He was so tall they placed him at the end of the line. On graduation day, he still stood at the back, still the tallest, clutching a paper-plate award. Each child proudly displayed their awards, while his simply stated: “Enjoys playing with his friends and cars.” I had to read it multiple times—it could have said, “Loves reading quietly and building intricate Lego projects.”
Some awards may lack significance, I understand that. But there are certainly others that reflect true hard work. Why don’t we celebrate the scholar with the same fervor as we do the athlete?
“Why?” my son asked when I told him to keep the certificates he received. “Store them in your binder. You’ve earned them, and I’m proud of you.” He reluctantly retrieved the binder filled with awards. I hope that one day he’ll rediscover that binder, perhaps buried in a box I give him when he graduates, and feel nostalgia intertwined with pride.
Those awards are just as valid as an athlete’s MVP trophy. It’s essential to cheer for the smart kids! Ignoring their achievements sends the message that their hard work might as well end up in the trash, undervaluing the unique talents they contribute to our community.
Further Insights
If you’re looking for more helpful insights, check out our other blog post on privacy policies. Also, for anyone interested in at-home insemination, you can find great resources on sites like Make a Mom and American Pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s crucial to celebrate academic accomplishments with the same enthusiasm we offer to sports achievements. Every child’s hard work deserves recognition, and fostering an environment where intellect is celebrated can inspire future generations.