Lauding Arc

Appreciation in School – Recognizing Effort and Excellence

Appreciation, to me, is one of the purest forms of encouragement. It is the gentle art of recognizing effort, celebrating progress, and inspiring consistency — not just in results, but in the spirit of trying. Every word of appreciation, whether for a small achievement or a significant milestone, has the power to transform a learner’s mindset.

At St. Britto’s Academy, we have always believed that recognition nurtures motivation. Our appreciation boards — proudly displayed across classrooms and corridors — are more than just decorative spaces. They are platforms of celebration, where both students’ and teachers’ efforts are brought into the limelight. As the head of the institution, I have always felt it is essential to make students see their worth and feel valued for what they contribute.

“Every student has special talents. It is our duty and privilege to find these talents and adapt our lessons to best implement them.” – Robert John Meehan“A teacher’s purpose is not to create students in his image, but to develop students who can create their own image.”

The Purpose of Appreciation

An appreciation board is a reflection of positivity and progress. It motivates, inspires, and creates a ripple effect of confidence within the school community. When a child sees their work displayed or a teacher is acknowledged for innovation, it reinforces a message — effort matters.

At St. Britto’s, these boards serve to:

• Motivate students to explore hidden talents

• Build a culture of recognition and encouragement

• Promote positivity and belonging in the school environment

• Inspire others to strive for excellence

• Celebrate every small victory, fostering mutual respect and happiness

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire“Don’t forget, a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.” – H. Jackson Brown

Extending Appreciation Beyond Academics

Appreciation is not limited to grades or certificates — it extends to every act of responsibility and kindness.We celebrate students who volunteer during lunch breaks, those who assist in the cycle stand, or those who lead with empathy and teamwork. Appreciation is also shown for thematic events, inter-house competitions, subject toppers, teachers’ efforts, and even parents’ contributions.

Each act of gratitude reinforces the belief that every role, every effort, and every idea counts.

How True Appreciation Feels

True appreciation is not about flattery — it is authentic, specific, and timely. It is about recognizing a child exactly when they need to hear, “I see you, and I’m proud of you.”

It should be:

• Authentic – sincere, never mechanical

• Frequent – consistent, not occasional

• Timely – expressed at the right moment

• Specific – describing exactly what is appreciated

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

Teachers: The Champions of Appreciation

Teachers hold the key to cultivating a culture of appreciation. Their words, tone, and gestures can ignite confidence and joy in students. By acknowledging efforts through praise, certificates, or even a simple smile, they help students build resilience and the courage to try again.

Regular appreciation leads to:

• Improved focus and engagement in class

• Greater willingness to take on new challenges

• A positive attitude toward failure and growth

• Stronger relationships among peers and educators

“Education is the process in which we discover that learning adds quality to our lives. Learning must be experienced.” – William Glasser

A Culture of Gratitude

At St. Britto’s, we celebrate appreciation as an everyday practice — not an occasional event. Watching students and teachers uplift one another, celebrate effort, and recognize kindness fills me with immense joy. As an educator and entrepreneur, I find true fulfillment when I see this culture of gratitude extend beyond school walls — into students’ homes, communities, and future workplaces.

For me, appreciation is not just an action — it’s a way of living. It reminds us that every individual, every effort, and every success deserves to be seen and celebrated.