Student Question
Why does Auggie win the award at graduation in Wonder?
Quick answer:
Auggie wins the award at graduation in Wonder because of his character, courage, kindness, and friendship. Principal Mr. Tushman gives him the Henry Ward Beecher medal, recognizing Auggie's "quiet strength" and the impact he has had on others. Although Auggie feels like an ordinary kid, he accepts the award for overcoming his challenges and persevering through fifth grade.
In Wonder by R. J. Palacio, Auggie Pullman wins the Henry Ward Beecher medal at the graduation ceremony at the end of his fifth grade year on account of his character, courage, kindness, and friendship.
As principal Mr. Tushman explains, the award is usually given to a student who has performed a great service to the school or has volunteered in an extraordinary way. This year, though, Mr. Tushman is giving the award to Auggie because he recognizes Auggie's greatness and the "quiet strength" that has "carried up the most hearts."
Auggie is shocked at receiving the award because he really can't believe that he is or has done all of the things Mr. Tushman says. At first, Auggie says that he isn't sure why he's getting the medal, but then he says that he does know why. He understands that in the eyes of everyone else in the auditorium, he is special for overcoming his challenges and sticking with fifth grade no matter the struggles and heartaches he has experienced. Auggie feels like just an "ordinary kid," but he thinks, "if they want to give me a medal for being me, that's okay. I'll take it."
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