Challenger Merit Awards

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Today was the annual Merit Assembly for Challenger School. Both Mikey and Isaac earned a Merit Award (Mikey – speech contest finalist and Isaac – speech contest finalist and Physical Fitness). Challenger is very adamant in teaching the kids that not everyone can win in a contest but that the most important thing is to work hard and try your best. They want to recognize excellence and achievement but they do not give awards to everyone. It’s a difficult concept for kids these days but I think it’s absolutely important for them to learn. Participation is not rewarded. Hard work and doing your best should be intrinsically rewarding in itself. The kids should feel good about themselves for doing hard things and trying again. But it’s also good and important to recognize those who do win a contest and to be happy for others’ achievements and successes. It helps everyone try harder the next time and builds healthy competition and drive.  I was really proud of Isaac and Mikey for earning an award today and I’m proud of their hard work and dedication in school. 

There were two assemblies. I could only stay for one because I had to go pick up Jason at the airport. Can you tell which one Jeff was in charge of the camera for? ;) Hey, at least he snapped a few!