Why are you going to give in and scrap the individual award? Would you blame the principal if she did pull future activities of this sort because of the problem?
Now here is a thought, scrap the idea of the "judge" being on stage to give a speech about some nonsense it isnt fair and ask the principal, the vice and a counselor to judge the best overall winner. Keep the other catagory judges as judged by your expert panel.
BTW I have been here and done that! We all learn from mistakes, if we didnt then we would be perfect and have no need to post to this board [img]smile.gif[/img] I am sure that in the future you will use better judgement in selecting judges for events and ensure they understand the rules. To get past this point though show leadership - I presented one solution above I am sure there are others.
The "irish" in me was certainly aggitated when I was informed of this mess last night and I do believe I can quickly have the judges replaced. I am concerned though about the effect on community relations and how this will reflect on the school. I've about decided to shelve the "overall winner" trophy and use it another time and go with what the judges have selected. My biggest concern is over whether the principal will have become so flabbergasted at this outcome that future events will be pulled (writing comp. in the spring). I'm also still very concerned that the presenting judge will flap their gums either before or after making the presentations.
If getting new judges makes you nervous, just speak frankly with the judge you're using and tell them that the event was set up and advertised to have winners and the kids new that when they entered. They are all being recognized with the certificates and their families(I assume) will get to come and see their work on display so I can't see you having any real big issues with the kids. Some will be upset that they didn't win, but unfortunately life is filled with times when you put forth effort and someone comes out ahead of you. Having the ambition to try and showing good sportsmanship both when you lose and when you win are also very important life lessons. Also, you never know, but that child who gets that first prize may have a life dream of being a great artist and you just gave him the confidence he needed to pursue it!
I have to agree, not everyone can be the best at everything, and it was announced as a contest. Recognition for submitting their artwork should be enough with the really good ones being recognized for talent. If the judges can't do their job according to how the rules were laid out, get new judges! If everyone were given the same reward, what would the goal then be?
Don't get me started on this soap box. I believe that children who show exceptional work should be rewarded. We have honor roll bingo, which is a two hour event only for students who make honor roll. They win prizes and we feed them. It is very fun, but we have trouble getting businesses to donate prizes because they feel that it is not right to single out those students who did not do as well. WHAT IS THAT! My son made honor roll because he wanted to play and win at bingo. It is an incentive not a punishment. And baseball, why is it all hugs and no outs. What is that? I'm not talking about tee ball either. Anyway enough of me ranting. (Sorry!)
I would get other judges and pick your winners. You advertized the event with winners and purchased the prizes. Find someone to pick your winners and have a great time. Feelings might get hurt, but that is life. As adults, we are not always going to come in first place. It builds character to learn how to lose gracefully.
Here's the situation... The PTO has decided to host its first art competition. The information was sent out to children, a better than expected turnout was received, and the awards ceremony takes place in two nights. Initially, children were to be judged by grade level with awards granted for first second and third in each grade plus two honorable mentions. There would also be an overall winner. The independant artists show to judge the 100+ entries and have a fit. They initially refuse to pick winners saying it isn't fair to the children who are not selected. They end up picking winners but adamantly refuse to pick an overall winner (trophies / medals already purchased), and selected the honorable mentions based on total entries, not by grade level. They then proceeded to give an earful to the principal on their opinions. One judge will be helping to present the awards to the children. I am concerned that the judge will also add commentary from the stage. How do I get what should have been a simple competition back to being a positive experience for everyone? How do I smooth this over with everyone who has become disgruntled along the way? Part of me wants to ditch the judges, get two others in there quickly and be done with it. Of course, I dont think this is the diplomatic way to proceed. Help! Suggestions? What began as a wonderful way to highlight children has turned into a debate over whether we're hurting their psyche! BTW, all K students will recieve a ribbon and all students who participate recieve a certificate.
