It’s Absolutely Fine to Celebrate Academic Achievements

It's Absolutely Fine to Celebrate Academic AchievementsGet Pregnant Fast

In my son’s previous school, he was the proud recipient of numerous academic awards. He’s diligent, focused, and consistently delivers high-quality work. The accolades he earned were a testament to his hard work and intelligence. I’ve never had to nudge him to complete homework or prepare for tests. Yes, he’s genuinely bright.

At the awards ceremony, just before the principal announced the winners, he advised everyone: “When we hand out the awards, please refrain from clapping or making noise. This isn’t a sporting event, so let’s wait until the end for a brief applause before returning to class.”

I was taken aback. I instinctively placed my hands in my lap and felt a wave of disappointment wash over me.

For my son, this ceremony is his moment to shine. School is where he excels and invests his energy. While he might not receive a trophy for a winning basketball team, he certainly earns recognition for maintaining straight A’s and achieving the highest GPA in his grade. Sure, he could join academic teams like debate or science, but if he’s not inclined, school is where he truly thrives.

Why should we treat academic accomplishments any differently than sporting feats? Don’t we deserve to exhibit the same enthusiasm for the child who possesses a brilliant mind as we do for the child who has exceptional athletic abilities? The student who dedicates time to study deserves the same recognition as the athlete who practices tirelessly.

As the principal concluded his remarks, I noticed parents folding their hands in their laps and children’s excitement dwindling. Every student who walked up to receive their award did so in utter silence, returning to their seats with no fanfare. Occasionally, a parent could no longer contain their excitement and erupted into applause when their child was honored. However, like my son, I tend to follow the rules, so I held back my cheers as he made his way to the front.

This moment reminded me of his kindergarten graduation. He was so tall that he was placed at the end of the line. As he graduated, still the tallest, he held a paper plate award that read: “Loves playing with his friends and playing with cars.” I had to read it multiple times, as it could have just as well stated, “Enjoys reading quietly and building intricate Lego structures.”

Some awards may seem trivial, but others truly reflect hard work and dedication. So why aren’t we as enthusiastic about celebrating intellectual achievements as we are about athletic ones?

“Why?” my son asked when I advised him against tossing out his certificates. “Keep them in your binder. You earned them, and I am proud of you,” I replied. Grudgingly, he retrieved his binder, filled with protective sheets and numerous other awards. I hope that one day he’ll rediscover that binder—perhaps buried beneath a pile of treasures when he graduates college—and feel a mix of nostalgia and pride. Those accolades are as valid as any MVP award given to an athlete.

It’s vital to cheer for our academic stars. When we don’t, we risk sending the message that their efforts and talents are less valuable than those of their athletic peers. It’s essential to recognize and celebrate the unique contributions these bright minds bring to our communities.

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In summary, let’s remember to celebrate our smart kids just as passionately as we do our athletes. Their hard work and achievements deserve recognition and applause.


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