This is a PSA from an outsider's opinion:
It's the time of year again for unnecessary "graduations" (from Kindergarten, moving on from elementary school, etc.)!
To me, these occasions reinforce the 'everyone gets a trophy' mentality. If the norm for kids becomes constant recognition regardless of results (grades, tangible benchmarks), it could deter a majority within this generation from actually putting in the effort to achieve a goal.
You show up, you win!
Completing high school followed by earning any post-secondary degrees are actual accomplishments that probably involve sacrifice and/or lots of hard work. But finishing Kindergarten is nothing to celebrate at all; it is an expected development for all able-minded children. Just another step in growing up.
But now 'big cap & gown' has gotten its greedy hands on every such event and turned them into self-indulgent photo ops. [Likely not an actual conspiracy or corporate plot.]
Sure, the pomp and circumstance of a graduation party may encourage or excite some kids about education to continue on with a bright trajectory, but others will continue a sub-par coast, soaking in the same adulation as the exceptional students.
Urge teachers to call out the Kindergartner who's made the most
advancements by the end of the school year, but don't find a way to award every student's "unique
triumphs".
Adults don't get congratulatory cakes every Friday for finishing a work project that's expected of them. Yes, a paycheck is compensation for a job [well?] done, but that just means they've met requirements, not excelled at the task. This parallel can be taught young.
Reward success, not participation.
