Two students show their science fair projects. Both have first-place ribbons.

Illustration by Tommaso Tempestine

Should Everyone Get a Trophy?

March 15, 2021

You spent weeks building a volcano for the science fair. It even erupts! As your teacher hands you a ribbon, you think you came in first place. But then you realize that everyone is getting an award—even the kids whose projects weren’t as good as yours. Is that fair?

Some people say these participation awards send the wrong message. Simply being on the soccer team or taking part in the spelling bee is great. But, they point out, trophies should be awarded to those who stand out. Rewarding winners makes them feel proud.

But others argue that participation trophies reward kids for teamwork, sportsmanship, and trying their best. And, they say, recognizing those skills is more important than singling out a superstar.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Everyone should be able to receive a trophy. We like to have winners and losers, but I believe we need to start thinking differently. Getting a trophy or a medal can make kids feel more confident. All kids should get the opportunity to feel like a winner.

Also, in the real world, we’ll need to be able to work together. When we play sports, we learn that the team is more important than one individual. That teamwork should be rewarded.

Getting a trophy just for showing up is like getting one just for breathing. I’ve been doing tae kwon do since I was 6. Every time I get ready to test for a new belt, I practice—a lot! I’m one level below black belt, which is only earned through hard work. If everyone got a belt just for coming to class, it would have no meaning.

Not winning encourages kids to try harder. If my tae kwon do master told me everything I did was perfect, I wouldn’t have come so far.