Participation Trophy Novels & Stories

Third place—her spot—stood empty except for her helmet placed there as a symbol, the black surface catching the afternoon light. The crowd erupted in applause that built and built until it became a standing ovation for someone who wasn't even there to receive it. Lucas stepped up to accept the trophy on her behalf, his expression controlled but his eyes red-rimmed in ways that suggested he'd been crying recently or was about to start.

Reporters shouted, cameras flashed wildly. Mira screamed and hugged her. Grey nodded at her with rare respect. Ronan’s dark eyes softened ... the tiniest inch, but enough to make her wolf’s heart skip. Scarlet stepped forward as they brought out the largest, most divine trophy ... a crystalline sculpture infused with silver fire. It was bigger than her torso. The announcer placed it in her hands. “For intelligence, leadership, precision, and unmatched performance.” The hall erupted again. Except for one corner. Liora’s parents shot to their feet like enraged animals. Her father’s voice boomed across the hall:

Rising from the table, I saw people nodding appreciatively at Logan and I. “Well deserved,” I heard people whisper as we made our way to the front. Glancing at Franklin, I saw the disapproving look on his face. Beatrice however, was holding up her phone. She appeared to be filming, which I thought was a little odd. But I didn’t think much of it, since I quickly became swept up in the moment. “Congratualtions,” the emcee said, shaking both our hands as we took the podium. The lights were bright as we looked out over the crowd. We were handed a beautiful golden trophy, with Wine Not engraved on the bottom, alongside the words ‘Best Contribution to the Marketing’.

POV: Blake --- The trophy was lighter than he expected. Not in the metaphorical sense. Physically. The actual base was some sleek composite, and the whole thing barely weighed more than his tablet. After all the blood and breakdowns, Blake thought the win would come with more… heft. But there it sat on the table. Glossy. Silent. Gleaming beneath the soft light of Ave’s desk lamp. They’d won. Officially. Top prize. Top team.

But when I glanced toward the dumpster only a few feet away, my fingers tightened around them protectively, unable to give them up. An ironic snort left me. I guess they were my consolation prize. A consolation prize for the consolation prize. Jesus, this was pathetic. I didn’t want to hurt like this, didn’t want to keep replaying it over and over in my head, didn’t want to stick around out here, stuck in my own pity party.

Grace enlivens the conversation. Even to brood bitterly Alfred's friends did not give him the opportunity. The school brought home two trophies. First for the second title from squad one and one more trophy for the best MC category also offered by squad one. But this is not the best achievement in the entire history of the school marching. Last year when they were juniors, the upperclassmen at the same race competition brought many trophies from various categories. But the best is the trophy for the title as overall champion. “It's okay, don't feel guilty. No one will blame you either." Harry also gave a word of encouragement to the other two squad members. Especially Debbie.

Nathan gives a brief introduction for each person, submitted by whoever nominated them for the award, then the winner walks up to the podium to collect their engraved glass trophy, which is an intricate sculpture of the R Roswell logo. There are usually about 20 winners, and Nathan makes quick work of running through the list. There’s a woman from HR, someone from the marketing department who’s relatively new, a man from the product design team, a seasoned member of the PR department, and one of the custodial staff. They’re all absolutely delighted to receive the award, smiling wide and bowing and practically bouncing back to their seats, and it’s heartwarming to see them all so happy.

"Let's go get you two some food!" They found a restaurant nearby. Hayden took a golden trophy out from his bag and passed it to Avery. "Mommy, for you." Avery accepted the trophy and saw that it was for being the champion of the 'Hacker Cup'. "Didn't you refuse to take part?" Avery was stunned. "Later, my teacher persuaded me." Hayden lowered his gaze. "So, I took part in the finals." "Hayden, you're amazing! I knew back then that the qualification test was all due to your abilities. It has nothing to do with Daddy." Avery hugged the trophy. "I'm proud of you!"

"You're leading the march, Justice. Move!" ​I stepped forward, my polished black oxfords cutting through the layer of gold and silver foil that now completely blanketed the arena floor. Behind me, Tariq, Chloe, Maya, and Julian marched in a tight, proud line, our matching white blazers and navy blue pants creating a striking contrast against the dark suits of the international tournament officials. ​At the center of the stage stood a massive, brushed-platinum podium. Resting upon it was the Nordic Academic Decathlon Trophy—a breathtaking, geometric spire of solid crystal encased in silver rings that caught the blinding glare of a hundred media flashbulbs.