Let me be clear.

I want to be clear.  My comments about how I'd rather have my kids bring home the award below, than a sports trophy, by no means is a shot at sports trophies or the parents/kids that attempt to earn them. After reading my Facebook posts where I made those statements, I was concerned that my statements my be taken as a shot at trophy winning kids. I meant nothing like that. I myself have been know to put emphasis on winning trophies, as an adult, that I didn't win as a kid. In fact, as a kid, I never even played on a sports team, so my chances of winning any kind of sports award, was zero. However, when I was a kid, not everybody got a trophy, or medal or even a ribbon. With my athletic ability, the chances of me getting anything more than a participation ribbon wasn't very likely. The only ribbon I ever got as a kid was for actually building my pinewood derby car, that advanced to the finals of my heat, only to get its not existent doors blown off by my friend Doug, whose car broke the sound barrier that day. My car finished last, but I will say I was highly handicapped by my stepfather who couldn't help me, because he couldn't work a saw to save his life. As an adult, I began playing volleyball and fell in love with it. OK, to be honest, my first love was the beer we all drank after the games, but eventually, I got to be a decent player. Not good by any means, but passable. I was fortunate to play with very good players, who in turn helped me look less crappy. I was fortunate to be on these teams, that helped me earn my first trophy. Over the years, they helped me acquire several more trophies. Now, here is the pathetic part, I paid for my trophy. Oh I don't mean with my fees to the league, I mean the team I was on won a first place trophy and I was so desperate to have a trophy, that I took the one we won to a trophy making store and had them make me another one, so I could keep it. That was how badly I wanted one, and I got it. So I hope I have cleared that up. I have nothing against trophies and trying to win them, I just feel an award for academics or for volunteer work, is more valuable. Let me explain my view, and you can agree or disagree, and that's cool with me. The odds of a kid going pro in his favorite sport, are extremely low. That doesn't mean that a kid shouldn't continue to strive, or go for their dreams, but you might want to have a plan B, is all I'm saying. Mason, is not an athlete. He has played sports, and due to his asthma and his complete lack of desire to play sports, he hasn't exactly excelled. However, he is smart and has a heart of gold. So when he told me about winning the award, I was extremely proud of him and was glad to see a kid with little to no athletic ability, get recognition for doing something good. To me, an award for your character, is way better than an award for your physical ability. As I say that, I realize that I have never won an award for my character. I guess that shouldn't surprise me, but as I typed it, stung. That might be because there just aren't that many awards for character. Yeah, lets go with that.  That all being said, here is the letter we received from Mason's school.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On behalf of the students and staff at Stilwell, we would like to thank your son for exhibiting the kind of positive behavior that helps to make Stiwell Junior High a great place to be.

Every month students from each team are nominated by staff members to be featured in the Celebrating Stiwell Students program.  Students receive a coupon for a free lunch or a la carte menu item in addition to having their photo and accomplishments posted in the display case at school.

Mason was nominated for this honor because he does an exemplary job of following Stilwell's 3 Cornerstones (do your best, do the right thing, and treat others the way you want to be treated).  He is very polite and respectful to all students and staff, turns in his work on time, tries his hardest at all times and much more.  Mason is a positive role model here at Stilwell.

We are very proud of Mason for receiving this recognition; it is greatly deserved.  We hope the experiences he has at Silwell continue to be positive ones.

Sincerely,

The E Team

Now that is a good letter to get regarding your kid.  I hope to see a bunch more like that.