How do you reward great effort from students? You could have a monthly chapter champion. What better way to celebrate that than with the chapter belt (similar to a Professional Wrestling belt). While Taylor FFA students don't get to keep the belt, they do get bragging rights and a chance to ham it up for a month.
This might seem like a crazy idea that your kids won't go for. That's fine, but give it a year. Come up with your own monthly prize. Certificates get throw away or put in a box, candy awards are eaten, but what students need is recognition for awesome attitudes and great work on projects.
It may not seem like much, but even if they are embarrassed (or at least seem embarrassed) the recognition goes a long way plus not only will the recognition not stunt their growth it sure beats being overlooked. Find something that's important, meaningful, or just plain funny for your students and award that once a month or even once a week. Give credit where credit is due.
Need another idea to inspire your students or start a legacy? White Oak FFA created a degree wall for their students. Create a degree wall (& a legacy) for your FFA members a great idea to create an area students will come back to and show people for years. Need some fresh ideas for teaching FFA and the Creed? Then click over to our FFA Basics and FFA Creed pages and find a resource that fits your needs.