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March 24, 2017

Certificate Wording for Sports and Athletic Completion

Filed under: Phrases & Wording — PDWriter @ 10:39 am
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From increased endurance to improved strength, sports and athletic activities provide a plethora of benefits to participants. Now, you can add one more perk by presenting certificates for successful completion of sports and athletic endeavors. Fitness certificates can apply to a number of scenarios for a job well done. Examples can include:

  • Students completing a training course to become instructors
  • Volunteers taking part in a run, walk or other athletic fundraising event
  • Participants finishing a strenuous athletic boot camp
  • Employees excelling at corporate athletic challenges
  • Clients reaching their weight loss, endurance or strength-training goals

Any number of successfully completed fitness activities can call for acknowledgement in the form of a certificate. You can also give the certificate an extra-special touch based on the wording you choose. We’ve outlined some basic information each recognition certificate should include, along with five examples of certificate wording for fitness achievements.

athletic award certificate paper

Certificate Wording for Fitness Activities: Basic Info

Whether you’re giving a certificate for achievement, participation, or excellence, all fitness certificates should contain a lineup of basic information. This includes:

  • Reason certificate is being awarded
  • Name of instructor, organization, or facility awarding the certificate
  • Name of recipient
  • Official signature and date

The header or footer of the certificate can also include the facility or organization’s name and address if desired.

Certificate Wording for Fitness Activities: Examples

We put together five examples of simple, straightforward wording you can use for fitness-related certificates.

Athletic Award

This athletic award is being presented to (name of recipient)

for outstanding performance in (name of sport/activity)

while participating in (name of class/event) at (facility)

Certificate of Completion

This certificate acknowledges (name of recipient)

has met all criteria and requirements for the successful completion of

(name of program) led by (name of instructor)

at (name of facility)

red and white certificate of participation

Certificate of Participation

This certifies that (name of recipient)

has been a contributing member of (name of activity)

organized and led by (name of organization)

Certificate of Excellence

(Name of recipient) is in receipt of this

Certificate of Excellence

for exceptional achievements in (name of sport or activity)

during (name of program)

Training Certificate

(Name of recipient) is hereby certified as (title of certification)

after successful completion of (name of training program)

Feel free to take any of our certificate wording for fitness activities verbatim, or use the examples as a foundation to build upon and make the award specific to your needs. The overall goal is to ensure certificate recipients get the acknowledgement, praise, special honors, or official documentation they deserve after the successful completion of their goal.

soccer photo certificate paper

Don’t forget to shop PaperDirect’s extensive collection of certificates and awards for your next athletic event.

March 21, 2017

What to Include in Your High School Graduation Program

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Tags: , , , , — PDWriter @ 2:19 pm
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So you’ve been given the opportunity to craft the program for the high school’s graduation ceremony. It’s a big job, and it’s extremely important that you create a stunning, yet informative document.

A graduation program will be every parent’s step-by-step countdown to the moment they can snap a picture of their son or daughter walking across the stage to shake the hand of the school’s principal. But, what should you include on this special occasion program to ensure that your audience is always informed about what’s coming next?

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered!

Entrance Information

As students enter the venue, will there be music playing? If so, find out which songs will be used, as well as how they’ll be played. If the music is live, it’s always a good idea to credit the people playing the music (i.e. the high school band) as opposed to the person who originally composed the notes.

graduation programs for high schools

Opening Remarks

Most ceremonies will include opening remarks, often from the salutatorian. It’s an opportunity to welcome everyone for coming before the awards and/or diplomas are given. You’ll want to be sure to note who will be speaking and include their title or reason for importance.

Class Awards

Awards are special for not only the recipient but for their family as well. Be sure to list out which students won which award (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, Most Likely to Succeed, Most Popular, etc.) so that parents can keep track as they’re being presented.

Visiting Speaker

If you’ve recruited someone to give a few words of wisdom to your students before they graduate, this is the place to include it. You’ll want to include their name, professional title, and maybe a little snippet that explains why they were chosen as this year’s speaker. If there is no outside speaker, feel free to exclude this from your program.

Presentation of Diplomas

After the first speech and distribution of awards, it’s time to get down to the main event. Take this opportunity to shine the light on whoever’s been assigned to hand out the diplomas and shake each student’s hand. If you intend to add the names of all the graduating students, be sure to list them alphabetically and organize them evenly on the page. Also, double check that you’ve got the correct spelling of each graduate’s name. The last thing a parent wants to see is their student’s name spelled wrong on their special day. For larger-size high school classes, this may require multi-page programs or several inserts!

Valedictorian’s Speech

After everyone’s gotten their diploma, it’s time for the class valedictorian to top the occasion off with an inspirational and uplifting speech. Again, you’ll want to be sure to include their name and their valedictorian status. However, be sure to avoid posting their GPA as this is personal information.

Conclusion

At the end of the ceremony, students will toss their hats into the air marking that the occasion is officially over. Either the students will file out in an orderly fashion — in which case, include the song they’re marching to — or they’ll simply filter out slowly on their own.

Even if you do accidentally forget one or two things when you’re trying to craft the perfect program for your high school graduation, you can be sure that the audience will overlook it if your itinerary is printed on one of PaperDirect’s high-quality specialty programs.

March 17, 2017

Here Come the Digital Natives: Their Workplace Habits

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — PDWriter @ 2:56 pm

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Who are digital natives? They’re the incoming workforce who’ve been submerged in digital technology since the day they were born. Their childhood birthday parties were streamed via Facebook Live for friends and family to enjoy. Their toy boxes included touch screen tablets. They’ve never used a phone that couldn’t take pictures, and shopping usually means going online, not going out.

As this generation of digital savvy folk start applying for jobs, your office needs to be ready to woo and accommodate their expectations if you want to land the best-of-the-best in their fields. Consider implementing these office practices into your workplace based on the everyday habits of digital natives.

  1. They expect constant, real-time feedback. Weekly brainstorming meetings won’t cut it for these folks. Instead, start a cloud-based document that everyone on a specific project or team can access to add ideas. Then, use your weekly meeting to finalize plans and offer direction.
  1. They crave public display. Don’t be surprised to see a digital native live stream their thoughts on social media after a workplace seminar. Harness this enthusiasm and work with the young staff members to create marketing pieces to live stream on the business social media accounts. They can explain the benefits of a new service you’re developing or show off how to use a new product without being camera-shy.
  1. They see technology as an extension of themselves. If your current employee handbook dictates no personal phone calls or Internet browsing, think again. Digital natives use technology for both personal use and work. Instead, revise your rules to explain what the use of office computers is for (like creating work documents, answering work emails) and when personal communication on smartphones is appropriate (such as quick texts).
  1. They’re good with words and photos. Digital natives have figured out a way to be succinct and expressive in 140 characters or less, thanks to Twitter. Leverage this skill for writing workplace copy that needs to be direct and potent. And those selfie skills? They’ve learned a thing or two about lighting and angles, which can be used to take workplace photos for presentations and social media updates.
  1. They want to work remotely. Gabbing about traffic jams is so 1990s. With the help of cloud-based software, email, video conferencing and smartphone apps – it’s possible that your staff can work from home or even a coffee shop. This entrepreneurial spirit keeps employees happier and cuts down on office expenses. Think of this: If your entire staff is remote, you eliminate brick-and-mortar rent and utility bills.
  1. They need public validation. We all like to get a compliment every now and then, but the incoming workforce is even more performance driven. Set visible goals and reward them. For example, create a physical wall chart that shows growth toward a weekly sales goal or the completion of a project. When goals are achieved, take group selfies behind Instagram cutout frames by the chart or with fun achievement certificates and post about it to social media!

Get ready for the new recruits by stocking up on paper certificates and awards at PaperDirect. Take a page from your digital native’s book and shop online to have everything sent directly to your office!

March 10, 2017

Volunteer Appreciation Ideas: For Nonprofits and More

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — PDWriter @ 11:39 am

volunteer-appreciation-ideas-paperdirect

Famous Greek philosopher Aristotle once wrote, “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” The inherent assumption of that quote is that volunteering is in its own right, rewarding. And for the most part that’s true, but it’s never a bad idea to express a little appreciation for the people who work so hard to help you and your organization achieve its goals.

Not only do your volunteers deserve an outward expression of gratitude, but making your volunteers feel valued is an excellent way to help maintain engagement and increase productivity on every level.

Looking for some great ways to express your appreciation to all of your volunteers? Here are some suggestions from your friends at PaperDirect!

Consider a Pin

Whether they strap it on right then or affix it to a bag, getting your volunteers a pin that expresses your thanks for their talent and dedication is a small, kitschy way to show you care.

Consider a Personalized Letter

A few lines of gratitude on some festive border paper is a keepsake that any volunteer will appreciate. The sentiment will beautifully say thank you while including that extra touch of personalization.

Motivate With a Note

If you’re looking for a ready-made volunteer appreciation solution, why not grab some note cards with a cheerful or motivational theme already inscribed. Combined with a handwritten thought or two, these can be extremely powerful tools to keep your volunteers actively enjoying their duties.  

A Certificate Is Always Welcome

Want to honor a volunteer’s achievements? Even a general award like recognizing hard work or a cheerful attitude can be memorialized in a specialty certificate that will boost morale. An appreciated volunteer or employee will feel motivated continue doing great work.  

Celebrating Something Big? Try a Trophy

Holding friendly competitions among your volunteers can be a great way to spur initiative and improve performance. When the time comes to reward a winner, nothing says “thank you” like a personalized trophy or plaque. Immortalize their performance and give your volunteer a few bragging rights with this easy, yet memorable, gesture.

How About a Post-It?

When you want to say a pronounced “thank you” to several people at once, why not hand out Post-It Notes with specialized, pre-printed messages. Every time your volunteer uses one of their Post-It Notes — both on the job and not — they’ll get a small sense of enjoyment knowing that you appreciate their hard work.

Make it Personal

A gift is a gift, but a personalized gift will stick with someone for a lifetime. If you’re not expressing your thanks to your volunteers with the occasional reward or token of gratitude – you should be. And when you do, check out PaperDirect’s full line of personalized merchandise.

March 7, 2017

10 Simple Ideas to Celebrate Your Employee’s Birthdays

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 11:13 am

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Bring on the buttercream cupcakes and rainbow of balloons!

There’s a birthday guy or gal in the office this week! So how can you make your employees feel special on their big day beyond sweet treats? Mix up their usual routine a bit and spoil them with surprises and small gifts, that’s how!

1. The Gift-Wrapped Desk

Whether they have a dedicated office or use a co-working space, grab a roll of gift wrap and embellish their desk. Don’t forget to accent the workspace with oversized bows and curly ribbons.

2. The Charity Partner

Plan to give back to the community in honor of the birthday VIP. Pick a charity they love and schedule a special visit (onsite or offsite) complete with a small donation presentation. The co-workers can meet shelter dogs or spend a long lunch hour reading to special needs kids!

3. The Early Out

A week or so before the big day, leave a handwritten note on the employee’s desk offering the option to leave early one day during their birthday week. It’s the perfect way for the birthday person to grab a special weekday dinner or start their Friday evening a little early!

4. The Snack Fix

No birthday is complete without presents. Figure out what the employee loves to grab during the workday — gourmet coffee, herbal tea, cupcakes or fresh juice — and snag a gift card to the local business they frequent for their workday snacks.

5. The Office Potluck

A week ahead, send a memo to everyone in the office (or for larger businesses, the employee’s department) about a celebratory potluck. On the day, invite everyone to the meeting room for some home-cooked treats and recipe swapping.

6. The Public Address

Does your workplace have morning announcements via an intercom system? Amp up the presentation with a birthday shout out, complete with classic off-key singing and wild kazoo choir!

7. The Card Shower

This year, instead of having everyone squeeze their name on one company card, encourage each employee to bring a card, or pick one out of a big box of stationery supplies at the office, and create a personal birthday message for the co-worker.

8. The Balloon Maze

Fill the birthday person’s office with balloons. Helium balloon bouquets on the desk and individual balloons all over the floor help create a festive workspace for the day.

9. The White Elephant

Plan to surprise the birthday person with goofy dollar store gifts. The rule: Each employee can only spend $1. Bring on the funny socks, faux flowers and plastic wine glasses!

10. The Silly Award

A birthday is the perfect time to present the employee with a funny award. Choose a fun mug, plaque or certificate that lets everyone know they’re the Top Dog for the day!

Are you ready to order those birthday cards and snazzy awards? Shop PaperDirect today and your office birthday supplies will be delivered in no time!

March 3, 2017

Certificate Wording for Tech Classes

Filed under: Phrases & Wording — PDWriter @ 10:09 am

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High-tech efforts deserve high levels of recognition, and you can provide that to every member of your class with a professional certificate. You have various options for the type of certificates to award, whether they’re for specific tech certifications, completion of training or your course, professional achievement, or for overall excellence. You’re also free to use any combination of certificates you see fit to best honor and reward your successful students.

We’ve outlined five short and simple examples of certificate wording for tech classes, along with standard information that should appear on every certificate.

Certificate Wording for Tech Classes: Basic Information

Details are extremely important in tech classes, and the same holds true for tech class certificates. Each certificate should contain basic information that includes:

  • Purpose of certificate
  • Name of recipient
  • Name of tech class and/or specific certification
  • Name of instructor, department, and/or facility
  • Official signature and date

Certificate Wording for Tech Classes: Examples

Certification

Header: Name of facility, address if desired

This is to acknowledge that (recipient’s name)

is certified in (specific certification)

In recognition the successful completion of

requirements for certification through (name of class, exam, and other requirements)

Training

Header: Certificate of Training

This certifies that (recipient’s name)

has successfully completed the training course of (name of class)

conducted by (name of instructor) at (name of department, facility)

Completion

Header: Name of facility, department, address if desired

This certificate acknowledges that (recipient’s name)

has met all the requirements and criteria for successful completion of

(name of class) conducted by (name of instructor)

at (name of department, facility)

Achievement

Header: Certificate of Achievement

This certificate of achievement is awarded to (recipient’s name)

In recognition of professional achievement

for successfully completing (name of class) conducted by (name of instructor)

at (name of department, facility)

Excellence

Header: Certificate of Excellence

(Name) is receiving this certificate of excellence for

exceptional performance in (class name) conducted by (name of instructor)

at (name of department, facility)

You’re welcome to use any of the certificate wording examples verbatim, or you can edit and adjust them as desired to best mesh with the style and vibe of your class and facility. The most important thing is to provide tech students with the official certification they need and recognition they deserve for successfully completing your tech course.

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