As I stood before the audience that represented a group many have considered entitled and spoiled, it was impossible not to be impressed with how seriously they were taking the message being offered to them.

Here I was, before a couple hundred of the “everyone gets a trophy” generation — high school students between their junior and senior years — and amazed by how they were writing copious notes and asking insightful and incisive questions.

For almost two decades, I’ve donated a speech and a couple of days to the Youth Citizenship Seminar at Pepperdine. Other speakers who have done the same over the years include celebrities such as Jon Voight, Kathy Ireland, Tommy Lasorda, and more — and top-notch professional speakers like Captain Charles Plumb (a former Vietnam POW), Carnegie Hall virtuoso Mike Rayburn, broadcaster Dennis Prager, author Mark Sanborn and many others.

Something occurred to me over the years giving these speeches:

Yes, everyone should get a trophy.

Everyone who participates.

In this world where it’s easier than ever before in human history to tune-out and withdraw to our screens and online universe, it’s hard to see why we should complain about awarding those who get off their tails and participate in a worthwhile endeavor.

That’s NOT just about students — it’s about your entire team where you work! I’m suggesting that everyone who does their job and serves customers should receive recognition for their efforts. 

Yes, everyone should get a trophy.

There was another room that I stood in several years ago that made quite an impression. Back when I was doing television news in Louisville, I was invited to do a story at Churchill Downs. In conjunction with the Kentucky Derby, a special display was opening at the museum at the famous racetrack that showcased almost all of the world’s most famous trophies.

There I stood…just me…surrounded by the Stanley Cup, the Lombardi Trophy for the Super Bowl, the Borg-Warner Trophy for the Indy 500, the World Series trophy, and almost all of the other priceless emblems of sporting success.  I got to pick up the Stanley Cup…thrust the Lombardi up in the air, just as I had seen my NFL heroes do…and more.

Yet, it was oddly unmoving to me. I realized later that I was privileged to hold these incredible awards — but that none had connected emotionally with me because I had done absolutely nothing to deserve them. 

Some trophies should be reserved for the winners.

In other words, everyone who participates should get A trophy…but, only those who win should receive THE trophy!

Those students this past week at Pepperdine all deserve a trophy for participating in a conference to grow their leadership — instead of sitting at home on summer vacation like many of their contemporaries. And, it should not be missed that they were preparing to win THE trophy for success and achievement in their adult lives.

I’m convinced that our future is in good hands with the future these students represent. 

And, I left with the thought that all of us could make our businesses and lives better by following the example they’re displaying of participating — and preparing to win.