🌾 Why Did the Scarecrow Get an Award?
- Mark Sudario
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
Some jokes never get old, and this one is a classic:
“Why did the scarecrow get an award?”
“Because he was always outstanding in his field!”
Sure, it’s a pun a corny one (pun fully intended) but if you think about it, this little joke carries a lot more meaning than you might expect.
Whether you’re a student in a classroom, a professional at work, a busy parent juggling responsibilities, or someone simply trying their best every day, there’s a lesson in this simple riddle for all of us.
🌟 The Hidden Lesson Behind the Laugh
Let’s take a moment to picture that scarecrow.
It doesn’t move.
It doesn’t speak.
It doesn’t post daily updates or seek applause.
And yet, day after day, it stands tall in the middle of a field, doing exactly what it’s meant to do protecting the crops and helping the farm thrive.
It faces the heat of summer, the winds of autumn, and even the cold rains of spring. It’s not glamorous, but it’s dependable.
And here’s the thing: The scarecrow never asks for recognition, but its work makes a difference. Without it, the field might not flourish.
If you think about it, the scarecrow represents many of the everyday heroes in our lives:
Teachers who show up every day, guiding young minds with care and patience.
Students who work hard, even when it feels challenging or tiring.
Parents and guardians who quietly give their all to provide for and protect their families.
Coworkers and team members who go above and beyond to make things better for everyone around them.
Volunteers who give their time and energy to help their communities grow stronger.
These people may not always be in the spotlight, but like the scarecrow, they’re outstanding in their field.
👣 The Power of Simply Showing Up
Being “outstanding” doesn’t always mean being the best in the world at something. It often means consistently showing up and giving your best effort, even when it’s hard.
Think about your own life. You’ve probably had times when you weren’t sure if what you were doing was making a difference studying late for an exam, working on a long-term project, practicing a skill, caring for someone, or sticking to a goal when no one else noticed.
Those are the moments when the scarecrow’s lesson shines through: Excellence often looks like persistence.
And sometimes, the greatest recognition comes not in trophies or awards, but in the quiet satisfaction of knowing you made a difference.
Lessons We Can Learn from the Scarecrow
If we pull back the humor and look deeper, the scarecrow can teach us some valuable lessons that work for any age:
Stand Tall – Confidence matters. Even if you don’t feel like you have it all figured out, holding yourself with pride and purpose can inspire others.
Do Your Job with Heart – Whatever your “field” is, care about the outcome. The scarecrow protects crops because that’s its role and it does it well.
Weather the Storms – Just like the scarecrow faces wind and rain, we face challenges in life. Staying put through the hard times builds strength and resilience.
Don’t Seek Constant Applause – Recognition is nice, but it’s not the main goal. True value comes from doing what matters, even when no one’s watching.
Protect and Support Others – The scarecrow’s purpose is to protect the field so everything else can grow. We, too, can protect and encourage those around us.
🎯 What Does “Your Field” Look Like?
For some, a “field” might be literal a farm, a garden, or an outdoor job. For others, it’s a classroom, an office, a home, a sports team, or even a personal passion project.
The point is, everyone has a field. It’s the space in life where you show up, give your energy, and help things grow whether that’s people, ideas, skills, or goals.
Being “outstanding” in it doesn’t mean perfection. It means you care enough to give your best effort, again and again.
🌻 How to Be Outstanding in Any Field
Here are a few ways to bring your inner scarecrow to life:
Show Consistency – Reliability builds trust, whether you’re a student, a friend, or a professional.
Bring a Positive Spirit – Just as a scarecrow brightens up a field with its presence, your attitude can lift the people around you.
Be a Quiet Leader – You don’t have to be the loudest voice to make an impact. Sometimes, example speaks louder than words.
Focus on the Bigger Picture – The scarecrow’s role isn’t glamorous, but it supports the entire harvest. Ask yourself: “How does my work help the bigger goal?”
Celebrate Small Wins – Every time you do your job well; that’s a win whether anyone claps or not.
🏆 The Real Award
The truth is most of us won’t literally get a golden trophy for the work we do. But being “outstanding in your field” has its own rewards:
The pride of knowing you stayed committed.
The growth that comes from facing challenges head-on.
The gratitude from people whose lives you’ve touched whether they say it or not.
The knowledge that you made your “field” a better place just by being there.
Like the scarecrow, you might not get daily applause, but your presence makes a difference. And in the long run, that’s worth more than any medal.
🌾 Final Thoughts
Next time you hear the joke “Why did the scarecrow get an award?” smile and remember:
Standing tall, working hard, and caring about what you do is more than enough to be outstanding.
So, here’s to the scarecrows among us the parents, the teachers, the helpers, the quiet achievers, and anyone else who shows up with heart.
You might not think you’re making a big impact, but trust me… the field knows you’re there. 🌟
💬 Your turn: What’s your field, and how are you being outstanding in it? Share your story let’s celebrate all the unsung heroes out there!
Nurturing smiles, growth, and discovery,
