At one time I had a lot of ribbons from middle school track. I often got 1st or 2nd place, and our relay team set a school record one year. It was the only sport I was ever good at! I don’t know where the ribbons are now. I didn’t pack them up when I moved out after college, and I don’t know what my dad did with everything still in my old bedroom when he sold the house. :(
I also had a really cool trophy from a karate tournament. I took third place in my division (I was the only girl) and that trophy meant a lot to me. Last time I saw it, it was in my dad’s garage. He was very angry when I decided I didn’t want to take karate anymore, and I think he put the trophy in the garage so he wouldn’t have to be reminded of what a quitter I was. I was 12.
The only other awards I can think of are from college. I was in a sorority, and two years in a row I was voted “Zeta of the Year.” Each time I was given a small, engraved plaque. I have those, but they aren’t on display or anything. They’re in a box somewhere in the basement, but they are important to me. Not the physical plaque, of course, but the fact that I won them meant a lot to me.
Other than that, I’m sure I had various certificates of achievement for this or that. I have no idea where any of them are now. I hope my dad kept some of that stuff when he cleared out my old bedroom. I’ll have to ask him next time we talk. Sometimes I kick myself for not keeping more sentimental things, but when I moved away I expected my dad to always live in that house and to always keep my room as it was. It never occurred to me he’d move to another state and I wouldn’t have a chance to go back and pick up some things I’d left behind. Old school notes, books, keepsakes, even stuffed animals. :( But then again, I’ve lived without it all this long, I’m sure I’ll survive!