How far back do you have to go?
In the show Red Dwarf there is a funny quip "To measure how pathetic a person is ask how far back they have to go for a story about when they triumphed". That statement is followed up by a side character sharing a story "It was a glorious day, we were all there swimming, there were millions of us in the race, but I was the first one to get to that egg". Which of course means he had never really won anything other than the fact as a sperm he 'won a race'.
I mention that story because it highlights that a lot of a person's worth is found in the recognition they get whether bad or good. Of course telling the story of "being the fastest sperm" is ridiculous. However, many people do have stories they like to retell about past achievements. Here is one of mine.
I don't have to go back that far but the medal you see above is a Bronze Governor General award for academic achievement that I received almost 40 years ago. Yes, I have other achievements after that. I had scholarships, school awards, awards in University and a few other achievement awards since. However, this one stands out because it was an official government award and even to this day my name comes up on the official government website.
As a side note for 
Now many people who are poor think that if they had money their life would be better. In my story I am quite certain that if I wasn't born into tough circumstances I never would have achieved what I have. You see, when I was young my mom had to work. That meant that after school my mom was working and I had nowhere to go. I couldn't go home because I had no key. I rarely went to friends houses because...well....not many people want to hang out with the poor kid. So, I would help out filing books in the school library and after that I would either wander the streets or when I was tired or bad weather I'd head to the library and read books. it was a time before internet and cellphones
By having nothing I was forced to read. By having nowhere to go I did my best to be helpful at school. Those acts were rewarded. Reading in the library helped me get a strong start in school which carried me forward through the years. Helping out in the library helped me get my first award in school. It was a "Citizenship" award for being the most helpful in the school.
That award meant something. It felt good to be acknowledged for something. That acknowledgement gave me a desire to continue to do well. Together my reading and hard work paid off six years later with the shiny medal you saw above. If I had a video game system to relax in front of like many other children at the time. If I had a bedroom to go to and listen to music like many other children. Even if I had a lot of friends to play with...well, my life may have turned out much differently.
Recognition and Achievement are powerful tools
Receiving that simple medal in 6th grade was a powerful motivator that got me started on an academic path. It was meaningful and I'm glad I received it. However, go back a couple years and there was a different contest which I did very poorly in. I remember how much effort I put into it and I remember how much it stung when there was no prize, reward or recognition at the end. Wasted Effort. As motivating as receiving a reward can be NOT receiving recognition can be just as disheartening
At a different time I received a reward in a class that I cared nothing about. It was about office work, typing, and filing. Receiving an award for that in front of the entire school was incredibly embarrassing -- especially because I was one of only two men in a class of 30. Sure, it was nice being in a class with a lot of pretty girls but embarrassing to be acknowledged at the best in the class (shudder).
So these question comes up:
Who do we reward?
Do we reward excellence? --even if the person cares nothing for the reward?
Do we reward diligence? --even if the person was outshone by someone else with more talent?
Do we reward popularity? --reward the person who everyone wants to win not because they worked hard or because of talent but rather because it makes most people happy?
Do we reward inclusivity? --give everyone a prize for participating so that no-one feels left out?
Do we reward need? --give to the one who needs it the most. The one who will benefit the most from whatever prize is being given out?
What prize do we give?
Do we give recognition?
Do we give a medal as physical representation of recognition?
Do we give a monetary gift for a job well done?
Those are very tough questions to answer.
There is single right answer
Just as every person is different and every situation is different I believe that every reward needs to be tailored to fit the situation
As an example: My best friend in high school was vying with me for the title of "Top Academic Student". He was very smart and I'll call that battle a tie. That doesn't matter though...his grades were good enough to give him a Presidents entrance scholarship to University. Free tuition, Free Room and Board in the dorm PLUS $2,000 every year--to continue for his entire University education as long as he maintained a "B" average.
That was a huge benefit to him. His family didn't have a lot of money and that scholarship was the difference between being able to study and not
As another example: A good friend from middle school who was also incredibly bright graduated at the top of his class from a different school. His family had money and his entrance scholarship just meant that he had lots of extra spending money. He ended up using that extra money to party and dabble in drugs. In the end one bad trip at a party and his mind was shattered to the point where he is now in his 50's, living with his father and unable to function in society.
Same reward but vastly different outcome.
In a different situation a former coworker (and University friend) of mine was a refugee who came to Canada from South America. She wasn't dimwitted but she certainly struggled with her studies far more than I ever did. She worked very hard and had a cute face and bubbly personality. No scholarships for her but she did well for bursaries based on need and I'm certain her personality and looks didn't hurt either
Do the most good
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At the end of the day or at the end of the class what recognition to give (or not) should be fluid based on the needs of the students. I received a medal that meant a lot when I was young. Before University money could have been far more useful for me. In high school the simple recognition of my academics by allowing me to be the only Grade 11 student to go to a technology conference with a group of the top Grade 12 students was a recognition far greater than any money or medal could reward.
At this time in my life memory isn't nearly as sharp and I'd never do as well in school but I like to think I've picked up a bit of wisdom as I age. I participate in the Hive Learners prompts regularly to keep my mind share but I'll share a little secret--simply being mentioned in the "Hive authors of the week" is recognition that comes far less often as people age. The recognition is far more valuable than the SBI token I receive every now and then as a reward. If I'm top of the crew here for a post or two that's a nice pat on the back. Do I need the SBI? Not at all. But if someone else was chosen because they needed the reward more, well, that would be sad as well.
At the end of the day there is place for all types of recognition. Should it be monetary? Sometimes. Should it be a simple smile and the words "Well done"? Sometimes. Should it be because of hard work and dedication? Sometimes. Should it go to the person that everyone wants to win? Sometimes.
People who are in a position to give recognition would do well to choose their rewards wisely. Not every trophy is valuable. Not every monetary reward is appreciated or even helpful. Not every word of praise will be well received. However, for the right person at the right time it can also change a life.
Thanks for reading and as always feel free to leave comments, suggestions, or even disagree :)
Appreciate your time!