Engraved Signs Have Many Uses

It's fun yet challenging being a middle school soccer coach. The girls are great, but at that age they can be frustrating too. They're at that age where they don't like anything except texting and Twilight.

But really, it's a blast. Last season, my girls came really close to winning the state championship, but they lost the title in overtime. They had worked so hard but still didn't win the trophy. I wanted to teach them that even though they didn't win, they should be very proud.

I thought about giving them a pizza party or buying them necklace charms of their numbers. But I really wanted to give them something that could stand in for a trophy so they understood that hard work and effort deserve just as much praise as winning does.

I ultimately decided to get an engraved sign we could hang in the trophy case at school. That way, the team would have recognition for their effort. And I wanted it to look just as special as the trophy they didn't win.

I found a sign company that makes awesome engraved signs with a special laser. I got free design assistance from their graphic design team and created a great, certified looking engraved sign for the trophy case. It said, "Lincoln Middle School Wildcats €" Second Place Champions 2010," and it had each girl's name and a great quote about the meaning of working hard. It was placed right next to the championship trophy from 1995.

But I wasn't sure the girls would appreciate it, or take from it the lesson I wanted them to. I was worried they would have preferred the first season of Gossip Girl on DVD or a cool cover for their cell phones.

When I gathered the team after school to show them what I'd done, they fell silent. I was nervous. Suddenly, the team captain, Liz, spoke. "Wow Ms. Felty," she said, "I can't believe we get to be recognized in the trophy case with all the champions. I guess our hard work really did mean something."

I nearly cried tears of joy. They really appreciated the engraved sign and learned a valuable lesson.

I loved the way that the engraved sign looked so I recommended that my brother use one for his new business. He loved the idea and ordered an engraved sign to be hung by his building's elevators pointing the way to his office.

So if you're looking for a reward or a way to praise your team, try an engraved sign. They're beautifully crafted and professional looking. They're also great for businesses and hotel lobbies.

I went to TheSignChef.com and even got free shipping.

So don't settle for second place trophies €" order a first class engraved sign of your own!