I was helping to hand out medals at Mid-North Coast Zone. I approached a little girl who didn’t make the final to present her with a participation medal. She was 6 or 7 years old and this conversation ensued:
She: Do I get a medal?
Me: Yes you DO get a medal.
She: Do I get to keep it?
Me: Yes, you get to keep it!
She: (After a thoughtful moment) Forever?
Me: Yes. You get to keep it FOREVER.
She: BIG SMILE!!!!
I just had to share this story because these medals mean SO much to these little girls. One of our 5 yr old competitors slept with hers.
It was a lovely moment for me as a teacher. I don’t know who she was or where she was from but I will always remember the look on her face.
That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Mary – BJP Teacher, Wallsend