Assemble an awards day committee with other faculty members, students or both. Outline a purpose for the event, set a budget and set a date for the program. Assign roles and duties for each committee member. Arrange for at least two additional planning meetings, one during the middle of the process and one toward the end, to ensure orderly progress.
Choose a theme. Highlight the school or select a beach or party theme in celebration of the last days of the school year. Make or purchase decorations appropriate to the theme.
Create award categories for honoring students, including every subject, English, math, music and physical education, for example. Nominate students to receive awards. Allow voting by staff members, students or both, as deemed appropriate by the committee. Establish a general scholastic award so that every student is honored.
Compile a memory book of pictures to display during the program. Choose pictures from the current school year that show students and teachers enjoying learning. Ask students and teachers to lend their own pictures.
Inform selected students of their nominations. Invite all parents to attend the awards day ceremony and celebrate with the students and faculty. Ask parents to bring food or snacks if necessary. Tell the parents to consult with the appropriate member of the committee about bringing food and RSVP's.
Tell the students to dress up if appropriate in support of the theme, shorts, sandals and sunglasses for a beach theme, for example. Plan short speeches by faculty members highlighting student achievement and the pride teachers and parents.