A slideshow of photographs that capture moments during sports activities and practices throughout the school year can add a sentimental element to the end of a sports award banquet. Those responsible for hosting the banquet can get photographs from students, parents or local newspapers. By pairing the slideshow with appropriate music such as Green Day's "Good Riddance" or Vitamin C's "Graduation," the audience will connect to the emotion and sentiment of the photographs.
A student-driven alternative for wrapping up a sports award evening is honoring one coach with a respected coach award. Have all athletes vote for the coach they feel is the best role model of sportsmanship. To close the banquet, the senior captains can take the stage and honor the specific coach with the award.
To infuse school spirit into the conclusion of your sports awards night, have the high school pep band surprise the athletes and their families by coming into the awards area and playing the school song. For seniors, this may be the last opportunity to get to sing the school anthem as an athlete. With this wrap-up for the banquet, guests will leave with an invigorated sense of spirit from singing the school song.
Ending a high school athletic banquet by awarding one male and one female senior the all-star athlete awards allows you to conclude the evening with what is typically the most anticipated award. In preparation for this honor, have athletes and coaches vote on which senior demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship, athletic ability and school spirit. Supplement the award with a scholarship, in whatever amount applicable for your school.