Our high school has two invitation-only honors nights. There is an “Honor Cord Dinner”, for those students who have earned an honors diploma (more rigorous requirements than a regular diploma). And there is the Awards Night, for combined sports, academics, extra-curriculars, etc.
Our Awards Night has the “air of mystery” that others have mentioned. I don’t like that aspect. Way back in the dark ages when I graduated high school, I didn’t go to Awards Night because a co-worker wanted to trade shifts with me so that he could go. I didn’t know that he was getting a band participation award, and I was getting something more unique. I disappointed a special teacher by not being there. But nobody told me!
I don’t know what D will be receiving at her Awards Night. She is valedictorian and National Merit Scholar. But I think it is fine if she doesn’t receive the top math student, top English student, etc… it’s not a nice feeling when one kid sweeps a bunch of awards.