There are countless ways to recognize student accomplishments in junior high and high school, but not all methods create the lasting impact we hope for. While various approaches have been tried, one of the most effective remains the simple yet powerful gesture of naming a “Student of the Month.”

Just last month, we experienced firsthand how impactful this form of recognition can be. A young lady was presented with a Student of the Month certificate by her teacher. Her reaction was surprising and heartwarming. She glanced at the teacher, then at the certificate, and back again, unable to process what was happening. After class, she approached the teacher and asked, “What is this for?”

The teacher explained that each month, teachers are given the opportunity to select one student from their classes to be recognized, and ASB then honors that student with a certificate. The student, still confused, responded, “I think there’s a mistake. I don’t deserve this.” After some encouragement from her teacher, she began to tear up, explaining that no one had ever recognized her hard work before. She had never been told she was doing a good job, and the recognition felt overwhelming.

This moment reinforced the power of even small acts of acknowledgment. It made us wonder, what more could we do to recognize the efforts of our students? While we don’t want to fall into the trap of a “trophy for everyone” culture, it’s important to remember that every student excels in different areas—whether in academics, athletics, leadership, or simply being kind.

So, we set out to see what other schools are doing to honor their students’ hard work and dedication.

Other Ways to Recognize Student Accomplishments

1. Principal’s Honor Roll Assembly
Invite students and their families to celebrate those who have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Names are announced graduation-style, and students receive certificates for their achievements. Those with a GPA of 3.0 also receive certificates but are not included in the assembly. To add to the celebration, an extended lunch is provided for all Honor Roll recipients.– Paul Chylinski, Loara High School (Area F)

2. Kindness Balloons for Gratitude Month
During November, teachers are given three balloons each to pass out to students they want to recognize for acts of kindness. The students wear the balloons for the day, and we honor them during a “Dude Be Nice” rally.– Jill Mortenson, Ripon High School (Area A)

3. Tokens (PBIS Initiative)
Stud Emperor ents receive “Emperor Tokens” for demonstrating Excellence, Maturity, Perseverance, and Safety. Each week, three students are chosen from the token pile to receive gift cards, and each month, one teacher and one student from the top token holders get to select a prize from the “Emperor’s Vault,” which includes bigger rewards. Tokens are distributed via the school app. – Erin Tobias, Dinuba High School (Area C)

4. Recognition Postcards
During staff meetings, a stack of postcards is placed on each table. Teachers can fill them out during the meeting, and the school handles addressing and mailing them to the students’ homes. It’s a simple and effective way to recognize more students for their efforts. – Laura Saldaña, Westmont High School (Area B)

5. Compliment Spotlight
A Recognition Committee selects a student from class each week, writes their name on the whiteboard, and the class takes turns offering genuine compliments while the student sits and listens. A photo is taken and shared in the ASB newsletter, allowing students and parents to celebrate the recognition. – Denise Van Doorn, Bear Valley Middle School (Area G)

10 More Ways to Recognize Students in Junior High and High School

1. Student of the Week/Month Shout-outs on Social Media – Post highlights of students’ achievements on the school’s social media channels to share their success with the wider community.

2. Teacher’s Choice Award – Allow teachers to select a student each quarter who has shown growth or leadership in their classroom.

3. Leadership Breakfast or Lunch – Host a breakfast or lunch for students who have demonstrated leadership qualities, with the principal or a special guest speaker recognizing their efforts.

4. “Caught Being Kind” Awards – Implement a system where students are recognized for random acts of kindness, with public acknowledgments during school announcements or assemblies.

5. Achievement Boards – Dedicate a bulletin board or digital display to showcase students’ achievements in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.

6. Personalized Letters from the Principal – Send handwritten notes from the principal to students who have gone above and beyond in their efforts, whether academically or in other areas.

7. VIP Lunch Passes – Offer special lunch passes for students to eat with the principal or teachers as a reward for their hard work.

8. Homework Passes or Extra Credit Coupons – Recognize students’ dedication by giving them the occasional homework pass or extra credit coupon.

9. Leadership Pin or Badge – Award students who take on leadership roles with a pin or badge they can wear, symbolizing their contributions to the school community.

10. Recognition Raffle – For every positive recognition or achievement, students earn a raffle ticket, with prizes drawn monthly or quarterly for things like school spirit wear, movie tickets, or gift cards.

At our school, we take pride in recognizing students through various avenues, ensuring that every student feels seen and valued. From academic achievements to personal growth, each form of acknowledgment reinforces that their efforts matter.

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BONUS: How do you recognize your students?

Not that I want to lose my job, I decided to ask ChatGPT the same question and was pleasantly surprised with the detail I received from AI, depending on the way you ask AI a question you will get various answers, I find that kids can get a great head start with ideas if they use the technology.  The worry is that they rely on it to much.

Student of the Month/Week Programs

• Criteria: Academics, behavior, leadership, or improvement.
• Recognition: Certificates, photos displayed in common areas, announcements during assemblies, or on social media.

Academic Awards Ceremonies

• Focus: Honor roll, GPA achievements, subject-specific excellence.
• Recognition: Medals, trophies, certificates, and formal ceremonies with parents invited.

Character and Leadership Awards

• Criteria: Embodying school values such as respect, kindness, and leadership.
• Recognition: Awards given during assemblies, or monthly character trait recognition programs (e.g., “Courage Award,” “Kindness Award”).

Positive Office Referrals

• Process: Teachers refer students to the principal for positive actions.
• Recognition: Meeting with the principal, a phone call home, or a small reward (e.g., lunch with the principal).

Honor Societies and Clubs

• Focus: Recognition through invitations to honor societies (National Honor Society, etc.) or leadership roles in clubs.
• Recognition: Special ceremonies, cords or stoles at graduation, and leadership opportunities.

Celebration of Diversity & Culture

• Focus: Recognizing cultural heritage and individual identity through events like international festivals, Black History Month celebrations, or Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Recognition: Performances, displays, and certificates of recognition for participation.

Sports and Athletic Banquet

• Focus: Recognizing student-athletes for their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Recognition: Banquets, MVP awards, and varsity letters.

Caught Being Good Programs

• Focus: On-the-spot recognition for positive behavior, effort, or kindness.
• Recognition: Small rewards like certificates, gift cards, or school-branded merchandise.

Service and Volunteerism Awards

• Focus: Recognizing students who volunteer and contribute to their community.
• Recognition: Service awards, public recognition at community events, and partnerships with local organizations.

End-of-Year Celebrations and Field Days

• Focus: Whole-school recognition through fun, inclusive events that celebrate school spirit and the completion of the school year.
• Recognition: Participation in field day activities, class parties, and year-end assemblies with awards.

Personalized Notes and Shout-Out Boards

• Focus: Students receive personalized notes from teachers or peers recognizing their effort or attitude.
• Recognition: Displayed on a “Shout-Out” or “Kindness” board in hallways.

Graduation Cords, Stoles and Medallions

• Focus: Special recognition at graduation for academic, athletic, leadership, and club achievements.
• Recognition: Cords, stoles, or special sashes representing different honors.

These initiatives help build a positive school culture, foster inclusiveness, and encourage students to strive for excellence. Would any of these approaches be helpful for your leadership lessons?