The topic of whether or not anything and everything in life deserves a trophy or award at the end of any given event, regardless of skill or results is a contentious one. This issue does not come down to who wins or comes in first place, this topic is about the idea that as a participant of any event or competition, an award shall be given to all.

The topic of whether or not anything and everything in life deserves a trophy or award at the end of any given event, regardless of skill or results is a contentious one. This issue does not come down to who wins or comes in first place, this topic is about the idea that as a participant of any event or competition, an award shall be given to all.

This topic also ties in with school life. Students in many schools all over the country believe they deserve an A on anything they hand in, no matter how much  or how little effort they put into it.  In my opinion, in order to be given a trophy or  to receive an A, it has to be earned. One should not receive an award for subpar or mediocre performance or work.

Trophies and good grades should be given to those who truly deserve them. Otherwise this message promotes that in life, no matter the outcome, everybody wins and all is well. It also tells younger kids that you don’t have to fight, scratch and claw for everything in life and work your hardest no matter what.  Giving young kids a trophy or a solid grade for everything tells them that everything in life will be handed to them on a plate and that they won’t have to work to accomplish their goals and overcome hardships in life. This is not a message that should be sent to the younger generation. The ideas of competition, intensity, and passion should be promoted in all sports and in academics all over the country. Playing for fun and enjoyment is one thing, however the real world is not all fun and games, not now, not in the past, and not ever.

An article in the New York Times stated, “Trophies used to be awarded only to winners, but are now little more than party favors: reminders of an experience, not tokens of true achievement. When awards are handed out like candy to every child who participates, they diminish in value.” (nytimes.com). This quote holds to be very true in both athletics and in academics. Success should be earned, not given.