Oklahoma second-grade teacher’s annual ‘awards show’ on last day of school leaves students treasured
“It’s so sweet to send students off knowing they are seen and loved.”
BY
JUN 3, 2026
Photo credit: Instagram/@mrsmunchsmunchkins – Melody Munch held annual “End of Year Awards” for her students.
The last day of school is always the sweet start of summer and freedom for both students and teachers. One Oklahomateacher makes sure to send her students off knowing they are loved.
Former second grade teacher Melody Munch (who transitioned to full time classroom resource creation in 2023), shared the touching tribute she did at the end of each school year for her class that she helps current teachers mimic today.
Each year, Munch hosted an annual “End of Year Awards.” She presented each student with a personalized award to recognize their skills and gifts, complete with a red carpet (made from butcher paper), music, funky disco lights, and more. Munch also sent them each home with a gift bag.
“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,” she tells Upworthy. “The awards were the perfect parting sentiment to celebrate student’s unique gifts. It also made for a fun way to end the last day of school and sent every student out of my classroom with their head held high. Now it’s my joy to share about this tradition and see other teachers around the world put it to use in their own classrooms!”
Besides their awards, Munch also sent each student home with a gift bag full of treats. Inside, there was a photo of each student with Mrs. Munch with a personalized farewell letter, a pair of sunglasses, a custom bookmark, and a postcard they can send to tell her about their summer.
“So many families tell me their child cherishes this for years to come! ” she shared.
