At my son’s previous school, he consistently earned the majority of academic accolades. He dedicates himself to his studies, stays focused, and always completes his assignments with excellence. I’ve never had to push him to do his homework or prepare for tests. And yes, he’s exceptionally bright.
During the awards ceremony, the principal made an unexpected announcement: “When we present the awards, please refrain from clapping or cheering during the individual presentations. This isn’t a sporting event; let’s save our applause for the end.” I was taken aback. I clasped my hands in my lap, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over me.
For my son, this moment is his personal “game.” School is where he excels and invests his energy. While he may never receive a trophy for being on a championship sports team, he certainly deserves recognition for achieving straight A’s or having the highest GPA in his grade. He could participate in a debate or science club, but if those don’t excite him, then his academic success should be celebrated.
What distinguishes an academic star from a sports hero? Shouldn’t we express the same enthusiasm for a child who excels in the classroom as we do for one who shines on the field? Both the diligent student and the dedicated athlete put in hard work.
As the principal concluded his statement, I noticed parents lowering their hands and children slumping in their seats. The atmosphere in the auditorium shifted, with a palpable lack of excitement. Each student walked up in silence to receive their award, returning to their seats without the cheers they deserved. Occasionally, a parent would burst out in applause, unable to contain their pride, but like my son, I chose to hold back.
I recalled the day he entered the cafeteria for his kindergarten orientation, standing tall at the back of the line. At kindergarten graduation, he still stood at the back, now proudly holding a paper-plate award that read: “Enjoys playing with friends and cars.” I had to reread it multiple times; it might as well have said, “Enjoys flying with aliens.”
Some awards may seem trivial, but others reflect genuine effort and commitment. Why don’t we celebrate academic achievements with the same fervor we reserve for athletic accomplishments?
“Why?” my son asked when I suggested he save his certificates. “Put them in your binder. You earned them, and I’m proud of you.” He reluctantly retrieved the binder filled with his awards. I hope that someday he’ll rediscover it, perhaps tucked away in a box I’ll give him when he graduates college, feeling a mix of nostalgia and pride. Those certificates carry weight, just like an MVP trophy.
It’s essential to cheer for the academically gifted kids. If we don’t, we risk sending the message that their accomplishments are less valuable, and that society undervalues the talents these students contribute.
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In summary, it’s crucial to give academic achievements the recognition they deserve. Celebrating our bright students fosters a culture that values intellectual pursuits just as much as athletic ones, encouraging all children to take pride in their hard work and accomplishments.