Thank-you speech after winning a prize

Thank you very much. I am honoured to receive this award. I did not earn it alone. I thank my teachers, who guided me, my parents, who believed in me, and my friends, who practised with me. This prize is a reminder to keep working, not a reason to stop. I will try to deserve it. Thank you.

Thank you. Respected Chief Guest, respected [Principal/Director], teachers, and friends, I am truly honoured to receive [name of the award].

When my name was called, I thought first of the people who should be standing here with me. No prize is won alone.

I thank my teachers, and especially [Name], who saw something in my work before I did, and who returned my first draft with more red ink than blue. That red ink is the reason I am here.

I thank my parents. They do not always understand what I am working on, but they make sure that the light is on, the tea is hot and nobody disturbs me. Their faith came long before any result.

I thank my friends and teammates, who tested me, corrected me and, when needed, dragged me away from my desk. And I congratulate the other participants. On another day, any of you could have been standing here.

An award is a happy moment, but it is also a responsibility. It says, "We expect more from you now." I accept that. I will keep learning and keep working, and I will try to help someone else stand here next year. Thank you once again.