“And that wraps up our awards ceremony for the school year,” the May 19 speaker announces as once again the hopes of students recognition both go noticed and unnoticed.

Every year students endure an academic achievement award assembly and, for many, disappointment has raised concern whether to host this event while others feel they are finally recognized for a consistent work ethic.

“”Awards assemblies are important because they honor the hard work and efforts of students for their classroom work,”” Jon Endicott, vice principal, said. “”Fresno Christian gives prominence to academic awards because they are the foundation of our school.””

However, during the past school year, school boards in the U.S. and San Joaquin Valley have been challenged to abolish the awards ceremonies because some students feel they never get the recognition that they deserve.

Some students feel that athletes are often given time in the limelight, and honor role students do well in the classroom, but the average or academically challenged student can feel short changed at the end of the year.

“If I could have it my way there would not be these ceremonies,” Garret Stipe, ’06, said after the May 19 campus ceremony. “I mean I think it is a waste of time just letting the smart people go on stage; the same students receive all the awards.”

Yet there is also another side to this argument. Students who have worked hard all year feel like they deserve a little recognition. Countless hours of studying and late night cram sessions are rewarded in a two-hour assembly.

“I work very hard to keep the grades that I earn on my report card,” Garret Horn, 07, said. “So, it is nice to receive an award to realize that besides a good grade, it is actually worth the hard work.”

One student opinion is the fact that the attention these students so desire, is within their grasp.

“I think that there is no problem with having an academic award assembly,” Jenna Burford, ’05, said. “I think that if the students are feeling a shaft in the school system they should work harder in their studies to get some positive reinforcement.”

In the end the decision is up to the various school boards, and the issue seems to be debatable. Everyone wants to feel important, and worth something, so hopefully the board of educations will be able to find a balance.