There once was a boy
Won ribbons, mostly blue
Came home from the fair
With a big trophy too.
With a voice glad and proud
He said to his dad,
'tis the very best year 
That I've ever had.

Said his very wise Dad,
"Son, I'd like to hear,
Why you think that this was 
Such a very fine year."
"Why, dad, you well know
All the prizes I've won;
How I've come out on top
In most things I've done.

Just look at the ribbons 
That hang on my wall.
And think of the money 
I've made since last fall,
From premium checks
And a big auction price
You can't help but think
Cash and ribbons are nice."

But the man said, "My son
You're not thinking right,
Blue ribbons, 'tis true
Are better than white;
But ribbons will fade
And trophies grow old,
Money's soon spent
And fame soon grows cold.

The important things, son,
Are not ribbons or pins.
And sometimes it's really
The loser who wins;
Now here are the things
Most important, it's true
Your 4-H experience
Has accomplished for you.

You've seen how a business 
meeting is run.
This knowledge will help
you in years to come.
You've conquered the fear
Of addressing a crowd,
You've learned how to stand
up and talk nice and loud.

Patience you've learned
In your projects too,
As well as your skills
that will always help you.

You've learned the fine 
feeling it gives you to lend
a glad helping hand
To a stranger or friend.
You've learned to cooperate
With majority rule,
To give in with grace
And not be a fool,
Who must always have
His own way,
Be in club work,
In school or at play.

You've learned how to lose
Without making a "beef"
You know the judge judges
To his best belief.
You've learned how to win
Without boasting too loud.
A kid can lose friends
If he's overly proud.

These are the things
Most important to you.
You'll remember and use them
All your life through.
They'll help you become
A mighty fine man.
They'll do more for you
Than a prize ever can."