QPA Awards for MP3

The presentation of awards encourages learners to apply more effort to earn better grades. Here at Queens Preparatory Academy, the administration knows that recognizing student accomplishment is crucial. They know that when students receive acknowledgement, they are motivated to work even harder.

On Wednesday, February 8, Queens Preparatory Academy held its second award ceremony of the school year to recognize student advancement during Marking Period 3. 

Room for Improvement

After our first award ceremony held on January 11, Principal Haywood promised scholars and staff more rewards for future award ceremonies. She wants students to be encouraged to earn prizes, since there is always room for improvement.

So, if scholars make the effort to improve themselves, it’s possible they may receive more than a certificate. Meanwhile, teachers are on the lookout for those who work hard to move forward.

During the event, in addition to certificates, there were rewards for those who were chosen. Students received our school’s merch SWAG:  QPA hoodies and sweatpants!

Then, to keep things fun, everyone was engaged in an activity during the ceremony.

We had to “guess the music.”

We heard five seconds of a song, and QPA advisors and their advisees competed to identify the artist and the name of the song. The winning advisory gets a Pizza Party. Then we were introduced to a poet who rapped for the audience while announcing an upcoming ‘spoken word’ after-school program. 

Most Improved Award

However, the big news is that in addition to the usual ‘Honor Roll’ and ‘Principal Honor Roll’ awards, we now have a “Most Improved” category. This award is for QPA students willing to make the effort to do better in class.

So, when we walk down the hallway, we see the usual bulletin board with names of students on the honor roll and the principal’s honor roll. But now we have another column for those who improved in their academic smart goals since the last award ceremony.

Student Attendance

In addition, Principal Haywood is taking student attendance seriously. She has made it her mission to inspire students to come to school every day.

Awards were given for perfect attendance, as well as most improved attendance—those making an effort to show up more often than before.  It’s like film-maker and producer Woody Allen says, “Eighty Percent of Success is Showing Up.”

Award Winners

During Marking Period 3, scholars worked hard to be recognized. “I’m proud of my achievement,” one scholar shared. “I try to focus on myself and think of how I can improve myself.”

This students is telling us that you should try to put yourself first and others second. That’s not selfish,  just self care. 

Another winner also believes the award ceremonies play a big part in student achievement, because they “encourage students to work more or perform better, since they inspire them to put in extra effort and advance themselves to receive an award.”

QPA scholars also believe earning an award is worthwhile, since, as one student claims, “it makes you feel proud of yourself.”

This student made the effort to be part of the award ceremony, and would want to continue with what he has been doing to repeat the experience next marking period. It also shows how motivated he is to succeed in earning high grades and his teacher’s respect.

Looking Ahead

This is what Queens Preparatory Academy did for us during this last marking period, and we can’t wait for them to open the doors to more opportunities for QPA students.

Thanks to Principal Haywood who kept her promise to do something different for this award ceremony. We are also grateful to guidance counselor Ms. Edwards, and teachers who organized this beautiful event to honor QPA scholars.