WITH trophies, medals, and applause, the glamorous awards night for the student leaders of the Tertiary Schools comes to light, where their achievements are celebrated. It is truly an honor to bring home the large lion plaque and celebrate that, among the 22 co-curricular and extracurricular organizations, an officer from your organization or the organization created history that night. But where do we draw the line between genuine service and performative acts?  

     The oral presentation defense for the 15th Lion’s Roar Awards commenced last May 7 and 8 with external panelists. Each organization presented its accomplishment report throughout the academic year in hopes of being awarded the St. Placid Award. Some officers also represented their organization and applied for individual awards such as the Abbot Wilfred Rojo Leadership Award, St. Bede Club Leadership Award, St. Gregory the Great Leadership Award, and St. Lorenzo Ruiz Award.

     The line between genuine service and performative acts is a blur, so that an outsider will not see any difference. The concept of being performative is also obscure; an activity could be born from the goal to win an award, but the fact remains that the organization still spent its blood, sweat, and tears for its success. It is then left to the conscience of the officers whether they can still look in the mirror and call themselves student-leaders if they simply did it for an award. 

     Credit must be given where credit is due, and it would not be part of their accomplishment report if it did not come into fruition. The Council of Student Leaders (CSL) should not be faulted for striving for excellence and seeking an award when given the opportunity. To be celebrated and recognized by the community, one continues to serve and be awarded, which is a small treat for the service they have provided for the whole academic year. 

     Leadership is manifested in various ways; most people limit it to leadership styles, but it remains distinct for each individual. It limits the definition of what a leader should be with criteria that not all organizations could fit, most of which are outside their control. Each organization has its distinct goal, each with different ways of achieving them. Another factor that should be considered is the manpower each organization is limited to and its resources. 

     Does that make them less of a leader? No, an award should not be anyone’s basis of competence and leadership. 

     Awards should not define a leader but rather their lasting impact on the institution and its community. Every year, a different individual would be awarded, years would pass, and people would forget who won what. What people would remember are those leaders who, even after they graduate, continue to be a model of leadership, with their initiatives improving people’s lives. 

     The trophies, medals, and awards would rust and collect dust, but what would continue to grow is the seeds a leader has planted in their community. It is one thing to win, but it is another thing to win the hearts of the people you are leading. After all, the heart of service must always remain in service.