Rewards of merit

Documents commending scholastic accomplishments and good behavior, awarded to pupils by teachers beginning in the late 18th century in the United States. The practice was most popular during the 19th century when printing techniques evolved to make them easily available; the documents are typically printed on a paper support using techniques of engraving, hand painting, or chromolithography, although some may be hand drawn. Early rewards of merit are usually religious, depicting the benefits of piety; in the early 19th century they gradually became more secular, rewarding grades, polite behavior, patriotic awareness, children's games, and other activities.