Oklahoma Teacher’s End-of-Year Awards Ceremony Celebrates Student Gifts

Former second-grade teacher Melody Munch (Oklahoma) organized an annual “End of Year Awards” event for her class. The ceremony features a butcher-paper red carpet, disco lights, music, a projector screen, and a microphone. Each student receives two to four personalized certificates, a gift bag containing a photo, farewell letter, sunglasses, custom bookmark, and postcard, and walks the carpet while their name appears on the screen. Over 60 award categories—e.g., “Excellent Encourager,” “Future Teacher,” “Remarkable Reader”—are offered.

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Munch launched the tradition in her first teaching year, 2015, to end the school year “in a warm, special way that made each student feel seen and loved.” In 2023 she shifted from classroom teaching to full-time classroom resource creation, promoting the ceremony model to other educators. The awards are typically held on the last day of school; when students leave early, the event moves to the preceding day.

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Munch reports that the awards help students “feel seen and loved,” providing a keepsake that reinforces self-esteem. Families say children cherish the awards for years. Teachers worldwide have adopted the model, indicating broader relevance for positive classroom closure. No published criticism or opposition to the ceremony appears in the sources. Students enjoy being called up for their awards, and families describe the experience as memorable.

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Munch’s public comments stress the ceremony’s role in offering closure and celebration. She states the tradition “creates a perfect way to close out the year” and “makes for a great keepsake.” She also notes logistical adjustments when students depart early, moving the ceremony to the penultimate day when needed.

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• “I started the Class Awards tradition during my first year of teaching back in 2015. I wanted to end the year in a warm, special way that made each student feel seen and loved,” — Melody Munch, Former Second-Grade Teacher

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• “My sentimental heart loves the closure and celebratory feel this brings,” — Melody Munch, Website Statement

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• “Students LOVE being called up for their awards. You celebrate each of them for their unique gifts.” — Melody Munch, Upworthy Interview

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• “You hope that all the love you’ve poured out over the year will stick with these students wherever they go.” — Melody Munch, Upworthy Interview

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Munch continues to share the awards framework through online resources, encouraging additional educators to implement similar ceremonies in their classrooms.

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