Composition of an award
Appreciation awards can be an effective way to say "Thank You" and show someone that you've noticed their hard work. This can be accomplished with the help of a few thoughtful words on an appreciation award. Your choice of words you use to compose your message reflects the award atmosphere.
Some features should always appear on awards such as the recipients name and the date the award is given, but others, such as the message, are left up to interpretation depending on the award.
If you follow some basics listed below, the task of composing a concise and meaningful message is not all that hard.
The W’s of an award
The W’s of an award: What, Who, Why, When, and Where is an easy formula that will help you to remember what elements to include in an award composition.
Your award content can be divided into four sections:
What is the award about or who is presenting the award? (The Award Title).
Who is receiving the award? (The Award Recipient’s Name).
Why is the award recipient is awarded? (The Award Message).
When and Where is the award presented? (The signature).
With this information in hand, a typical award inscription might read:
(The text coloring scheme in the example below is used to show the different parts of the awards content and is used throughout this document for that purpose, it has nothing to do with awards’ layout designs).
Achievement Award
Presented To
John Smith
In Recognition and Appreciation of Your
Ten Years of Tireless and Dedicated Service
To The Department
(Company Name)
August 23, 2009
.
The Award Title
The award title is usually engraved at the top of the award, it is the award headline, it can be either the name of the award such as: “Achievement Award” or the name of the awarding organization such as: “University of California” or a combination of both such as: “XYZ Paints Co. Employee of the Month Award”.
If the name of the award is chosen as an award title then you can use titles like:
such titles let anyone who sees the award know what the person is being recognized for in general leaving the specifics to “The Award Message” section.
In this case the name of the awarding organization is implied in “The Signature” section at the bottom or by having a company logo on the certificate.
Alternatively if the name of the awarding organization is chosen as an award title (use only if the awarding organization is not an individual) then you can use titles like:
The Presentation Line
This is a short line of text, it follows the title and may say:
Presented to
is awarded to
is hereby presented to
or some other variation
The presentation line can be skipped.
In some cases the award text starts with an expression or word like: “Recognizing”, in such cases the presentation line is not used.
The Award Recipient’s Name
This is simply the name of the person, persons, or group receiving the award.
Awards should have the recipient’s full name on them. In some cases the recipient’s official title/office is also included. However, the recipient’s name on the award can vary depending on the occasion it is given for.
The following paragraph states recommendations from “Honor and Respect - The official guide to names, titles and forms of address”
The basic way to write a name on an award is just to list the recipient full name. Don't include an honorific such as Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. it emphasizes that the award is for them without reference to any office or position they might have held.
When you include other information -- honors, academic post-nominal abbreviations, courtesy titles, and personal ranks -- it shifts the emphasis to their role / professional activities. e.g.
Vincent Esposito, MD
The Reverend John Magisano
The Honorable Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.
Major General Jeffrey Buchanan
Sir Edmund Percival Hillary
For office awards, put the name that a person goes by around the office. For example, if a person’s name is Robert, but he goes by Bob, you should put Bob on the award.
If the award is for a fun occasion between friends or a sports team, you can put a nickname on the trophy. For example, if someone’s name is Jane Smith, but her nickname on the team is “the Jet,” you can put the name as Jane Smith “the Jet” on the trophy.
In some cases the recipient's name font size is made to stand out as much as or even more than the title.
Double-check that you have the correct wording and spelling of the recipient's name and, if applicable, his official title. Read more.
.
The Award Message
The award message can be as generic or as personal as you like. You can compose this section by answering this question: Why the award recipient is awarded?
The reason for the award must be explained here. This could be a simple statement such as: “Best in sales for the year” or a lengthier paragraph outlining specific characteristics or achievements of the award recipient.
Here are some example statements:
Consider using tried and true phrasings that will show the formality of the gift, as well as your appreciation. For example:
Your unparalleled performance
Your efforts are an inspiration to us all
We could not have done it without you
However, do not be afraid to put the message in your own words to give it a personal touch. Read more.
Steer away from using jargon or acronyms that are not commonly used in the English language. Avoid using “puffed up” words that seem phony. Use simple, everyday words that convey sincere thoughts.
Awards do not have much room to write messages, so make the most of the room that you have and keep the message simple.
The following are seven tips for writing better awards’ messages:
Focus On The Relevant Message
Strike The Appropriate Tone
Be Accurate
Understand Space Limitations
Avoid Redundancy and Verbosity
Give Your Logo Prominence
Use Quotations Carefully
The Signature
The signature section includes the award date but may include the name of the person or group awarding the award if applicable. Sometimes you may want to include two signatories, such as the company president and the recipient's immediate supervisor
Decide how the date of the award should appear on the plaque. Is the date for an accomplishment that took place on a certain date or is it for cumulative achievements made during a month or a year? Should you record the date of the accomplishment or the date the award was given or both?
If printing the full date, consider the range of formats:
February 15, 2013
Feb. 15, 2013
2/15/2013
2.15.2013
February 2013
Feb. 2013
02/2013
or simply 2013
For consistency purposes, if applicable, look at how dates are typically printed on awards in your organization. Read more.
Proofread
Proofread your text before getting the plaque engraved. Nothing takes the satisfaction out of receiving an appreciation plaque more than noticing that your name is spelled wrong, or some other information is incorrect. Check and double-check your spelling, and check your records to verify the accuracy of what you are saying on the plaque. Read more
Sample Awards Wording
1.0 General Purpose
1.1
Outstanding Achievement Award
Presented to
John Smith
For Your
Positive Accomplishments And
Attitude Towards Our Club
(Company Name)
(Date)
1.2
Outstanding Achievement Award
Presented to
John Smith
For Your
Dedicated Service And Efforts
Where They Counted Most
(Company Name)
(Date)
1.3
Achievement Award
Presented to
John Smith
Best in Sales for the Year
(Company Name)
(Date)
1.4
Achievement Award
Presented to
John Smith
Treasurer
In Recognition of
Exceptional Accomplishments
(Company Name)
(Date)
1.5
Award of Excellence
Presented To
John Smith
(Company Name)
(Date)
1.6
Top Quality Award
Presented to
North Bend
Production Line #1
In Recognition of
Your Outstanding
4th Quarter
(year)
1.7
QUALITY AWARD
Presented to
JOHN SMITH
In Recognition of
Your Total
Commitment to Quality
DELCO AUTO PARTS
(Date)
1.8
Oregon Credit Services
Awarded For
Excellence
To
John Smith
President
Branch Office #14, (Date)
1.9
Presented To
John Smith
In Appreciation for
Outstanding Dedication and Service
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
The Law Offices of
Kathy Jones
(Date)
1.10
TEAMWORK AWARD
Presented to
John Smith
(Company)
(Date)
1.11
PAST PRESIDENT AWARD
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
In Appreciation for
5 years of
Loyal & Dedicated Leadership
(Organization Name)
(Date)
2.0 Service / Appreciation
2.1
Outstanding Service Award
Presented To
John Smith
In Grateful Appreciation of
Your 25 Years of
Outstanding Service and Dedication
(Company Name)
(year - year)
2.2
Presented To
John Smith
TRUSTEE
In Grateful Appreciation
For Your Years of Outstanding
Service and Devotion
(company name)
(year)
2.3
Presented To
John Smith
In Grateful Appreciation For
Your Many Years of
Dedication and Diligence
To
The Software Documentation Department
(company Name)
(Date)
2.4
John Smith
For Your
Service And Dedication
To
(company name)
(year)
2.5
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented To
JOHN SMITH
For Your
Extraordinary Service and
Dedication
To Your Profession
(company name)
(year)
2.6
(Company Name)
25 Years
of Dedicated Service
John Smith
From The Smallest Project
To The Largest Undertaking
You Were Always There To
See It Through
(Date)
.
2.7
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARD
Presented To
John Smith
In Appreciation For
Your Dedication and Devotion To
The Principles and Ideals of Our Company
(company name)
(year)
2.8
Community Service Award
Presented to
John Smith
In grateful appreciation for your
outstanding dedicated service
to the people in your community.
(Company Name)
(Date)
2.9
Presented To
John Smith
In Appreciation for
Outstanding Dedication and
Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
The Law Offices of
Jane Jones
(Date)
.
2.10
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
For your generous commitment
of time, support & inspiration
to our
(ORGANIZATION)
(Date)
2.11
SERVICE AWARD
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
In Appreciation for
15 years of
Loyal & Dedicated Service
(Company Name)
(Date)
Distinguished Service Award
Presented To
(Recipient Name)
In Recognition of
Exceptional Leadership
and Devoted Service
(ORGANIZATION NAME)
(Date)
3.0 Sales
3.1
Outstanding Producer Of The Year
Presented To
John Smith
In Recognition of
Your Ability to Far Surpass
All Sales Quotas Set By the Experts
(company name)
(year)
3.2
Sales Achievement Award
$350,000.00
2nd QUARTER SALES
JOHN SMITH
(company name)
(year)
3.3
SALES - ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented To
John Smith
For
Your Outstanding Achievements
In The Field Of Sales
In Your Territory
(company name)
(year)
3.4
Presented To
John Smith
$1,000,000.00 Club
For Outstanding Sales
In the Month Of
February 2000
Captive Mortgage Company
3.5
Presented To
JOHN SMITH
In Recognition of Your
Outstanding Sales in The Region
(company name)
(year)
3.6
Customer Appreciation Award
Thank you for your outstanding
commitment to our customers
(Recipient Name)
(Company Name)
(Date)
3.7
SALES ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented To
(Recipient Name)
For Quarterly Sales Exceeding
$250,000
(Organization Name)
(Date)
4.0 Leadership
Management and leadership awards may be named after an important individual in the organization's past, such as a favorite past Board Member, Founder and President. The award may also focus on a particular skill set such as new product introduction, mentoring, strategy, or new market penetration. It can also focus on the company values, and be awarded to the individuals that best embody these values, such as diversity,excellence, respect, or innovation.
Many of these awards are tied to a favorite saying of the leader or manager, or a reference to a particular success under their management. Successful completion of an acquisition, mergers, divestitures, product launches, attainment of a new revenue level, reaching a particular level of production, successful reorganizations, patent achievement, and more are all commonly given management and leadership awards.
It is also common to recognize executive level leaders with gifts or special awards when they are moving into a new position, leaving the company, or retiring.
4.1
Presented To
John Smith
With Deep Appreciation
For Your Visionary Guidance
And Undaunting Leadership
as
Chairperson of the Board
(Organization Name)
(year)
4.2
Outstanding Leadership Award
Presented To
John Smith
In Appreciation of
Outstanding Leadership
as
Production Manager
(company name)
(year)
4.3
Outstanding Leadership Award
Presented To
John Smith
In Grateful Appreciation
For Your
Superior Leadership Qualities
And Dedication to Our Company
(company name)
(year)
4.4
Presented To
John Smith
Board Secretary
In Grateful Appreciation
For Your Years of
Outstanding Leadership and Devotion
(company name)
(year)
4.5
Leadership Award
Presented to
John Smith
In Recognition Of
Your Ability to Help and Guide
Your Fellow Workers
(company)
(year)
.
4.6
Leadership Award
Presented to
John Smith
In Grateful Appreciation
For Your
Outstanding Leadership Qualities
(company name)
(year)
4.7
TOP - CORPORATE HONORS
Awarded to
John Smith
In Recognition of Your
Superior Performance
In Running Your Department
To Its Fullest Potential
(company name)
(year)
4.8
Presented To
John Smith
Production Supervisor
For Outstanding Leadership
And Superior Performance
(company name)
May, 2004
.
4.9
Presented To
John Smith
In Recognition For
A Record of
Outstanding Accomplishments
(company name)
(year)
4.10
Presented To
John Smith
President
In Recognition of Your
Most Successful Term of Office
(company name)
(year)
4.11
Oregon State
Chapter NWHA
Presented To
John Smith
In Recognition of Your
Performance
In the Office of The President
(year)
.
4.12
Presented To
John Smith
In Grateful Appreciation
For Your
Outstanding Service
And Leadership
(company name)
(year)
4.13
Presented To
John Smith
For Outstanding Leadership
in Preparing Teachers of
Students with Special Needs
DIRECTOR
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
College of Education and Human Services
University of North Florida
(date)
4.14
Presented in Recognition to
John Smith
For Your
Exemplary Leadership and
Selfless acts of Time and Dedication.
Your attention to detail and outstanding
work ethics, have driven this organization
to a level that has prospered.
This plaque is awarded on this (day of Month Year)
4.15
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
For Outstanding Vision,
Dedication &
Commitment to Excellence
(Company)
(Date)
4.16
Civic Leader Award
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
For your generous commitment
of time, support & inspiration to
our endeavors.
(Organization)
(Date)
4.17
Leadership Award
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
For his/her dedicated
service and commitment
to excellence
(Organization)
(Date)
.
4.18
(Company Name)
(Number) Years
Of Dedicated Service
From the Smallest Project
To the Largest Undertaking
You Always Gave 110%
(Recipient Name)
(Date)
4.19
In Recognition Of
(Recipient Name)
(Title)
In Appreciation For
Your (Number) Years of
Outstanding Leadership
And Guidance
(Company Name)
(Date)
4.20
(Company Name)
Recognizing
(Recipient Name)
(Title)
Your Outstanding
Dedication and Leadership
Have Been Truly Appreciated
By The Entire Organization
(Date)
4.21
(Company Name)
Presented To
(Recipient Name)
With Deep Appreciation
For Your Visionary Guidance
And Unwavering Leadership
As
Chairman of the Board
(Date Range)
4.22
(Company Name)
Global Vision Award
Presented To
(Recipient Name)
(Title)
Recognizing Your
Outstanding Achievements
Leading the
(Department Name) Department
(Date)
4.23
(Company Name)
Outstanding Achievement Award
(Year)
Recognizing
(Recipient Name)
For your Extraordinary Service and
Dedication To Your Team’s Success
4.24
(Company Name)
Outstanding Leadership Award
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
Recognizing Your
Stellar Accomplishments
As Sales Manager
(Date)
4.25
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
(Date/Year)
In Grateful Appreciation
For Your
Dedication and Commitment
To Leading our Company
To New Levels of Success
(Company Name)
4.26
(Company Name)
Award of Excellence
Presented To
(Recipient Name)
Title
For Your Exemplary Leadership And Vision.
Our Organization has Prospered under Your Guidance.
(Date Range)
4.27
(Organization Name)
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
In Recognition of Your Service to
Our Organization as
(Title)
(Date Range)
4.28
(Organization Name)
Outstanding Leadership Award
Presented To
(Recipient Name)
(Date)
Recognizing Stellar
Performance and Dedication
5.0 Retirement
A retirement award conveys respect, appreciation, esteem and the value that an employee had within the company.
Often times, the retirement award will be presented at an employee meeting, special luncheon, or retirement party.
It is a good practice if the company decide to have a commemorative plaque made with the individuals work accomplishments made to hang in a Hall of Fame at the corporate office, showing customers, vendors, and new employees how much they value long term employees.
To choose an appropriate award for a retired employee, you may want to consider: The personality of the individual, the type of position, the number of years worked and the type of company.
5.1
This Award is Presented In
Appreciation for 25 Years Of
Untiring Service
Your Loyalty And Friendship
Will Be Long Remembered
(company name)
(date)
5.2
25 Years
Of Dedicated Service
John Smith
From The Smallest Project
To The Largest Undertaking
You Were Always There
To See It Through
Enjoy Your Well Deserved
Retirement
You Have Earned It!
(company name)
(date)
5.3
HAPPY RETIREMENT
JOHN SMITH
From Your Friends At
Crossroads Travel Agency
(date)
5.4
(ORGANIZATION)
Presented to you for your
dedication and loyalty
15 Years
(Recipient Name)
(Date)
5.5
In appreciation
for your
years of dedicated service
and outstanding accomplishments
(Recipient Name)
(Company Name)
(Date)
.
5.6
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
In Grateful Appreciation
For your Years of
Hard Work, Loyalty, and Leadership
Enjoy your Retirement
(Company Name)
(Year)
5.7
(Recipient Name)
Enjoy your Well Deserved
Retirement
You Have Earned It!
(Company Name)
(Date)
5.8
Retirement Award
Presented to
Name
Thank you for your
Loyalty, Friendship, and Service
You will be Long Remembered
(Company Name)
(Date)
.
5.9
Happy Retirement
From All of Us
At
(Company)
(Date)
5.10
Recognizing
(Recipient Name)
For (Number) Years
At Company Name
You Are One in A Million.
You Will be Greatly Missed.
(Date)
5.11
In Grateful Recognition
Of (Number) Years
At
(Company Name)
Wishing
(Recipient Name)
Many
New Adventures
(Date)
.
5.12
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
You Have Been An
Outstanding Team Member
And Extraordinary Friend
Our Best Wishes on
Your Retirement
(Company Name)
(Date)
5.13
Recognizing
(Recipient Name)
Thank You for
(Number) Years of Faithful Service
To
(Company Name)
Now you’ll get to
“work” on your golf game!
Enjoy!
(Date)
.
5.14
For
(Recipient Name)
On Your Retirement
(Date)
Thank You for Your
(Number) Years of Dedication.
Enjoy Your Upcoming
Adventures.
5.15
Recognizing
Recipient Name
On your Retirement
After (Number) Years
With Company Name
You Will Be Missed!
(Date)
.
6.0 Public Service / Contribution
6.1
Safety Award
Presented to
Rolling Mill No.5
This Award is Presented On Behalf of U.S. Steel
In Appreciation For
An Accident Free Year
U.S. Steel (year)
6.2
Safety Award
Presented to
James Motor Co.
This Award is Presented On Behalf Of
The National Safety Council
For An Outstanding
Safety Record
(year)
6.3
SAFETY AWARD
to
REFINERY #20
Goshen, Oregon
NO LOST TIME ACCIDENTS
(year)
.
6.4
(Organization Name)
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
For your generous donations,
time and continuous support
(Date)
6.5
Award of Excellence
Honoring the few who
gave their time and love
to those in need.
(Recipient Name)
(Organization Name)
(Date)
6.6
(Organization Name)
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to
(Recipient Name)
(Title)
In recognition of your
exceptional performance
(Date)
.
6.7
Appreciation Award
Presented to
(Recipient Name)
(Organization Name)
IN RECOGNITION OF
VALUED PARTICIPATION AT
(Organization Name)
(Event)
(date)
.
7.0 Sports / Coaching
7.1
Thanks Coach!
For spending your free time with us,
teaching us, inspiring us, encouraging us,
challenging us.
This was a great season thanks to
your dedication and patience!
Presented To
John Smith
From
Team Name
(Year)
7.2
A hundred years from now,
it will not matter the house you lived in,
what kind of car you drove or
what was in your bank account.
But the world might be a better place because
you were important in the life of a child
Thanks Coach
John Smith
From
(Team Name)
(Year)
.
7.3
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Tiger Football
John Smith
Quarterback
Congratulations
for a job well done!
(Date)
7.4
With love to
(Recipient Name)
Coach
(Team Name)
For all your time,
trouble and patience –
and for the hugs we so often needed!
Thank You!
(Date)
7.5
Coach
(Recipient Name)
Titan Football
Your determination to succeed,
underscored by your confidence
in us has brought us to a
triumphal winning season!
Many thanks from your team
(Year)
.
8.0 More Examples
8.1
Million Dollar Club
(Recipient Name)
(Date)
8.2
Award of Excellence
Honoring
(Recipient Name)
(Company name)
(date)
8.3
(Organization Name)
Honoring you for your
Talent and Vision
(Recipient Name)
(Date)
8.4
Award of Merit
Recognizing
(Recipient Name)
(Company name)
(date)
