There once was a boy won ribbons, mostly blue
Came home from the fair with a big trophy too,
With a voice glad and proud he said to his Dad,
"Tis the best year that I've ever had."
Said his very wise Dad, "Son, I'd like to hear,
Why you think that this was such a very fine year."
"Why Dad, you well know all the prizes I've won;
How I've come out on top in most things I've done.
"Just look at the ribbons that hang on my wall,
And think of the money I've made since last fall
From premium checks and a big auction price
You can't help but think cash and ribbons are nice."
But the man said, "My son you're not thinking right.
Blue ribbons, ‘tis true are better than white:
But ribbons will fade, and trophies grow old,
Money's soon spent and fame soon grows old
"The important things son are not ribbons or pins,
And sometimes it's really the loser who wins;
Now here are the things most important; it's true
Your 4-H experience has accomplished for you.
You've seen how a business meeting is run.
This knowledge will help you in years to come.
You've conquered the fear of addressing a crowd,
You've learned how to stand up and talk nice and loud."
Patience you've learned in your projects too,
As well as your skills that will always help you.
You've learned the fine feeling it gives you to lend
A glad helping hand to a stranger or friend.
"You've learned to cooperate with majority rule,
To give in with grace and not be a fool,
Who must always have his very own way,
Be in club work, in school or play."
You've leamed how to lose without making a "beef"
You know the judge judges to his best belief
You learned how to win without boasting too loud,
A kid can lose friends if he's overly proud."
"Those are the things most important to you.
You'll remember and use them all your life through
They'll help you become a mighty fine man,
They'll do more for you than a prize ever can."