At the end of every school year, my elementary school hosted a “field day” competition for the students. We’d see who could throw the softball the farthest, who could jump the highest and who could pair up with a fellow classmate to run the three-legged race the fastest — all in celebration of another school year in the books. At the end of our competition, ribbons were awarded for first through sixth place. By the time I reached middle school, I became one of the students handing out those lovely red, white and blue ribbons to the rest of the kids in elementary school. I’m not sure which part I enjoyed more.

Although winning awards is a wonderful feeling, if you’ve never presented someone an award before, I think you may be missing out. Those elementary school kids were smiling ear to ear, even at a young age. Many of them were also humble about walking forward and being honored in front of their peers.

For several months this fall, I was an awards-delivering fool. Not to first and second graders, mind you, but to travel executives who were unable to receive their awards during one of Global Traveler’s regular awards events. From Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to Miami, Florida, I traveled by car, plane and golf cart to honor our clients with their well-deserved awards.

The accolades may have varied, but the responses did not.

Huge smiles and humility remain in play — although the recipients are certainly a bit older. There’s also a sense of appreciation and a bit of pride when our award winners learn these awards are 100-percent reader voted.

It was my honor to present these prestigious awards to those in the travel industry on behalf of the audiences who read Global Traveler, Trazee Travel and WhereverFamily. Great effort deserves great recognition, regardless of age!

Congratulations to all!

• Windstar Cruises, Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings
• PortMiami, Best Cruise Port
• Sixt, Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company
• Visit Lauderdale, Favorite Beach Town, Florida East
• Meliá Hotels International, Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World, Best Hotel Chain Caribbean
• Paradisus, Best All-Inclusive Resorts
• Hilton Head Island, Best Island in the United States
• Savannah, Best Weekend Destination in North America; Best Historical Attractions, Domestic
• Azamara, Best Cruise Line Dining
• Tampa Bay, Best Family-Friendly Beach Town (West), Best Family-Friendly College Town (South)

— Carrie Cox, account executive