Why Good Superlatives Make Every Student Feel Special
Good superlatives are the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary yearbooks into treasured keepsakes that students will flip through for decades. These special awards celebrate each student's unique personality, talents, and quirks—from "Most Likely to Start a Unicorn Company" to "Best Netflix Binger" to "Future Astronaut."
Quick Answer: The Best Good Superlatives Include:• Classic favorites: Best Smile, Class Clown, Most Athletic, Most Likely to Succeed• Creative categories: Most Likely to Sleep Through an Earthquake, Future Nobel Laureate, Locker Interior Designer
• Personality-based: Biggest Heart, Best Shoulder to Cry On, Most Likely to Brighten Your Day• Future-focused: Most Likely to Win American Idol, Future Teacher, Best Candidate for the CIA• Funny options: Most Likely to Drop Their Phone in the Toilet, Worst at Keeping Secrets
Research shows that well-crafted superlatives increase yearbook engagement, with students often discussing and voting on them for weeks before publication. Schools that include diverse superlative categories report higher student satisfaction and a greater sense of inclusion among graduating classes.
As one source puts it perfectly: "Think of superlatives as the fun stickers on your school folders"—they add that special touch of personality and magic that makes memories stick.
I'm Chase McKee, Founder & CEO of Rocket Alumni Solutions, where we help schools create interactive digital displays that showcase student achievements and good superlatives in real-time. Through our work with hundreds of schools, I've seen how the right superlatives can boost community pride and student engagement by over 25%.
What Are Superlatives & Why They Matter
Think back to your own school days—remember that flutter of excitement when yearbook superlatives were announced? That's the magic we're talking about here. Good superlatives are so much more than just adding "-est" to the end of words or putting "most" in front of them.
From a grammar standpoint, superlatives express the highest degree of something. But in schools and yearbooks, they're actually powerful community-building tools that bring students together in the most wonderful way.
When students nominate their classmates and cast votes for categories like "Best Laugh" or "Most Likely to Become Famous," something special happens. The whole process creates this buzz of anticipation that can last for weeks. Kids start paying attention to each other's unique qualities in ways they might not have before.
Our research shows that good superlatives consistently rank as one of the most talked-about sections in any yearbook. Students flip to those pages first, laugh with friends, and remember those moments years later at reunions.
The word "superlative" comes from the Latin superlātus, which means "extravagant" or "of hyperbole." That's exactly what we want—to celebrate our students in an extravagant, over-the-top way that makes them feel truly special.
A Quick History Lesson
Superlatives have quite the journey through history. The concept started with those Latin roots we mentioned, then made its way into Middle English around the 14th century. But it wasn't until the early 1900s that American schools got the brilliant idea to include them in graduation ceremonies and yearbooks.
Back then, you'd mostly see simple categories like "Most Likely to Succeed" or "Class President." Fast forward to today, and we've got creative awards that perfectly capture each generation's personality—think "Most Likely to Go Viral" or "Future App Developer."
It's pretty amazing how superlatives have evolved to reflect the times while still serving that same core purpose of celebrating what makes each student unique.
The Role in Modern School Culture
Today's good superlatives wear many hats in school communities. They're morale boosters that ensure every single student gets recognized for something positive about themselves. They create those precious talking points that keep classmates connected long after graduation day.
The voting process itself teaches students about participation and having their voices heard. When schools aim to create at least one unique superlative category per student, something beautiful happens—everyone feels seen and celebrated.
These awards also build stronger bonds within graduating classes. There's something powerful about a group of students coming together to recognize the best qualities in each other. It creates a sense of belonging that can last a lifetime.
What Makes a Good Superlative? — Our "Good Superlatives" Checklist
Creating good superlatives feels a bit like being a talent scout for a talent show where everyone gets to shine. The secret isn't just coming up with clever categories—it's about crafting recognition that makes every student feel genuinely celebrated.
The foundation of any great superlative starts with positivity. Every single category should highlight something wonderful about a student, whether it's their infectious laugh, their ability to solve any tech problem, or their talent for making everyone feel included. When students flip through their yearbook years later, they should smile at their superlative, not wince.
Specificity transforms generic awards into meaningful recognition. Instead of "Most Friendly," consider "Most Likely to Remember Your Name After Meeting You Once." This approach shows you've actually noticed what makes your students special. The best superlatives feel like they were written specifically for the person who wins them.
Inclusivity ensures every student sees themselves reflected in the categories. This means thinking beyond traditional academic and athletic achievements to celebrate the playlist curator, the friend who always has snacks, or the student who can make anyone laugh during a tough day. When you involve students through peer input during brainstorming sessions, you'll find talents and qualities you might have missed.
The balance between timeless and trendy keeps your superlatives from feeling dated in five years. While "Most Likely to Go Viral" captures today's culture, pairing it with classics like "Best Sense of Humor" ensures your yearbook ages well. Age-appropriate content matters too—what makes seniors laugh might go over elementary students' heads entirely.
At Rocket Alumni Solutions, we've seen how Interactive Student Superlatives Recognition systems can make this entire process more engaging and transparent for students.
Elements of Good Superlatives
The magic happens when you combine humor with kindness. Good superlatives should feel like a warm hug wrapped in a clever joke. They celebrate diverse talents that go beyond the traditional honor roll or MVP awards. Someone might not be the class president, but they could be the "Best at Diffusing Awkward Situations" or "Most Likely to Have the Perfect GIF for Any Conversation."
Age appropriateness becomes crucial when you're working across different grade levels. High school seniors can handle sophisticated humor and future-focused categories, while elementary students need superlatives that celebrate their current world of favorite playground games and classroom helpers.
Fair voting processes make superlatives feel legitimate and exciting. When students trust that the voting is transparent and everyone has a voice, they invest more emotionally in both the process and the results.
Pitfalls to Avoid with Good Superlatives
Even with the best intentions, it's easy to stumble into territory that makes students uncomfortable. Negativity creeps in through seemingly innocent categories like "Most Changed" or "Biggest Change"—these can unintentionally highlight past struggles or suggest someone needed fixing.
Appearance-focused categories reduce complex, interesting humans to their physical attributes. While "Best Smile" feels harmless, categories that focus on bodies or looks can make students feel judged rather than celebrated.
Cultural bias shows up when superlatives assume all students share the same references, experiences, or family structures. What seems universal to adults might exclude students from different backgrounds or communities.
Duplication makes your superlatives feel stale and uninspired. If you're recycling the same categories year after year, you're missing opportunities to reflect each class's unique personality and culture. Good superlatives should feel fresh and relevant to the specific group of students you're celebrating.
Age-By-Age Idea Bank: 150+ Good Superlatives You Can Steal Today
Finding the perfect superlative for each student can feel overwhelming, but we've got you covered. Through our work with hundreds of schools, we've compiled over 150 good superlatives that actually work in real classrooms and graduation ceremonies. These aren't just random ideas—they're battle-tested categories that make students smile and create lasting memories.
The key is matching your superlatives to your students' actual age and interests. What makes a kindergartener beam with pride is completely different from what resonates with a graduating senior. Let's explore our treasure trove of ideas, organized by grade level.
Seniors (Grades 11-12)
High school seniors are ready for superlatives that acknowledge their maturity while still bringing some fun to graduation season. Classic favorites like Most Likely to Succeed, Best Dressed, and Class Clown never go out of style because they capture timeless personality traits that every graduating class recognizes.
But don't stop there. Today's seniors appreciate creative categories that reflect their generation's unique experiences. Most Likely to Start a Unicorn Company speaks to their entrepreneurial spirit, while Future Nobel Laureate celebrates academic excellence in a fresh way. Best Glow-Up acknowledges personal growth throughout high school, and Most Likely to Win the Lottery but Lose the Ticket brings that perfect mix of humor and relatability.
Personality-based superlatives often become the most meaningful awards. Best Shoulder to Cry On and Biggest Heart recognize students who support their classmates, while Most Likely to Remember Everyone's Birthday celebrates those thoughtful friends we all treasure. Even funny categories like Most Likely to Drop Their Phone in the Toilet or Worst at Keeping Secrets work because they're endearingly human.
For even more inspiration, check out our collection of Funniest Senior Superlatives that have students laughing for all the right reasons.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Middle schoolers need good superlatives that acknowledge their growing independence while staying age-appropriate. This is the sweet spot where students are developing their identities but still love silly recognition.
Biggest Gamer and Most Likely to Become TikTok Famous speak directly to their interests, while Best Locker Organization (or its opposite!) acknowledges the daily middle school struggle. TikTok Trendsetter and Locker Interior Designer celebrate creativity in ways that feel relevant to their world.
Academic recognition works well when it's presented with personality. Math Wizard sounds way cooler than "Best Math Student," and Science Superstar makes laboratory excellence feel exciting. Most Likely to be Found in the Library celebrates the bookworms, while Best Person to be Stranded with on a Desert Island recognizes practical problem-solving skills with a dash of trip.
Elementary & Preschool
Younger students need superlatives that feel like warm hugs rather than competitive awards. Math Magician, Storytime Superstar, and Future Astronaut spark imagination while celebrating real strengths these students are developing.
Best Sharer and Best Helper recognize the social skills that matter most at this age. Silliest gives permission to accept childhood joy, while Best Line Leader acknowledges those natural organizers in every classroom. Field Day MVP celebrates athleticism, and Best Artist honors creativity in all its messy, wonderful forms.
The goal with younger students is making every superlative feel like a celebration rather than a comparison. Most Creative Thinker and Best Problem Solver work beautifully because they focus on effort and growth rather than just natural ability.
Faculty & Staff
Don't forget the adults who make your school community special! Faculty superlatives create moments of joy and show appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to education.
Coffee Connoisseur acknowledges that universal teacher truth, while Tech Whisperer celebrates the colleague who always fixes the projector. Most Inspiring and Nicest Teacher provide heartfelt recognition, but don't overlook the humor in Most Likely to Give Homework Over Holidays or Most Likely to be Mistaken for a Student.
These adult categories often become talking points that bring lightness to faculty meetings and create positive school culture. Best Classroom Decorations and Most Quotable recognize the unique personalities that make each educator special.
Crafting & Showcasing Superlatives Like a Pro
Creating memorable good superlatives goes far beyond coming up with clever category names. It's about building excitement, ensuring fairness, and celebrating your students in ways they'll treasure forever.
The magic starts with collaborative brainstorming sessions. When you bring together students, faculty, and yearbook staff, you get a perfect mix of creativity and practicality. Students know what resonates with their peers, teachers understand what's appropriate, and yearbook staff can spot what will work visually.
Nomination forms are your secret weapon for gathering authentic ideas. Rather than adults guessing what students want, let the community suggest categories that reflect their actual personalities and inside jokes. Digital polling tools make the entire process feel modern and engaging—students love seeing real-time participation numbers climb.
The key is balancing student input with thoughtful curation. You want categories that feel genuine to your class while avoiding anything that could hurt feelings or exclude certain groups.
Step-by-Step Voting Process
Getting the voting process right makes all the difference between good superlatives that feel meaningful and ones that feel like popularity contests.
Start your nomination phase using Google Forms or similar platforms. Give students two weeks to suggest both category ideas and potential nominees. This longer timeline lets shy students participate without pressure and gives everyone time to think beyond their immediate friend groups.
During category selection, review all submissions with your planning committee. Aim for 15-30 final categories—enough variety to represent different personalities without overwhelming voters. Look for categories that celebrate diverse talents, from academic achievements to social skills to creative quirks.
Ballot security matters more than you might think. Anonymous voting prevents students from feeling pressured to vote for friends and often leads to more authentic results. Some students who might not win popularity-based categories shine when peers can vote honestly about who really has the "Best Playlist" or "Most Likely to Remember Everyone's Birthday."
Build anticipation for reveal day by sharing voting participation numbers without spoiling results. The excitement students feel waiting for announcements often becomes as memorable as winning the actual awards.
Designing the Yearbook Spread
Visual presentation transforms good superlatives from simple lists into treasured memories. The best yearbook spreads pair each award with photos that actually capture the winner's personality—not just formal portraits, but candid shots that show them in action.
Color coding helps organize different types of recognition without making pages feel chaotic. Try soft blues for academic achievements, warm greens for personality traits, and gold accents for future-focused predictions. This system helps readers steer while creating visual interest.
Photo pairings should tell a story. If someone wins "Most Likely to Start a Food Truck," show them in the cafeteria or at a bake sale. These connections make superlatives feel more personal and less arbitrary.
Don't underestimate the power of fun captions. Instead of just "Sarah Johnson - Best Smile," try "Sarah Johnson - Best Smile (brightening hallways since kindergarten)." These little details add warmth and show that real thought went into each recognition.
Going Beyond Print: Ceremonies & Digital Displays
Modern schools are finding that superlatives work beautifully beyond traditional yearbook pages. Assembly shout-outs create shared celebration moments that bring the whole school together. There's something special about hearing your name announced and seeing classmates cheer.
Digital slideshows extend the celebration throughout the year. Loop them in hallways, display them during lunch periods, or feature them at parent nights. This ongoing visibility makes students feel appreciated long after the initial announcement.
Social media stories help families and alumni join the celebration. When you share superlatives digitally, grandparents in other states can see their grandchild's recognition, and graduated siblings can comment with pride.
At Rocket Alumni Solutions, we've seen how technology amplifies the impact of good superlatives. Our Celebrating Student Superlatives with Technology platform lets schools create interactive displays that integrate social media sharing and mobile accessibility features.
These digital solutions make superlatives more inclusive by ensuring students with different abilities can fully participate in both voting and celebration. The technology also creates lasting digital keepsakes that complement traditional yearbooks.
For more detailed information about the linguistic definition of superlatives, you can reference the comprehensive superlative entry on Wiktionary, which explains the grammatical foundations that make these awards so linguistically satisfying.
The goal isn't to replace traditional yearbooks but to create multiple touchpoints where students feel celebrated. When done thoughtfully, this multi-platform approach ensures that every student's unique contribution to your school community gets the recognition it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Superlatives
Planning good superlatives often raises the same questions year after year. Here are the answers to the most common concerns we hear from schools across the country.
How many superlatives should a class include?
The sweet spot depends entirely on your class size, but we've found that aiming for enough categories so every student has a realistic shot at winning something creates the most positive experience. For smaller graduating classes under 50 students, around 15-20 superlative categories usually works perfectly. Larger classes can easily support 30-40 different awards without diluting their meaning.
Some schools have acceptd a "one superlative per student" approach to guarantee maximum inclusion. This policy ensures that every graduate gets their moment to shine, which can be especially meaningful for students who might not receive other forms of recognition.
Other schools prefer allowing multiple wins but cap it at two awards per person. The most important thing is establishing clear policies before voting begins so everyone knows what to expect. We recommend surveying your students about their preferences—you might be surprised by what they value most.
Can a student win more than one category?
This question really comes down to your school's philosophy and practical considerations. Smaller classes might need to allow multiple wins simply to fill all the categories you want to include. There's nothing wrong with your class valedictorian also being voted "Most Likely to Become President"—sometimes students genuinely excel in multiple areas.
Larger classes have more flexibility to spread recognition around. If you have 200 seniors, you can probably ensure that 30 different students each win one superlative without running out of worthy candidates.
The key is being transparent about your policy from the start. Students appreciate knowing whether they should focus their campaign efforts on one category or if they can hope for multiple wins. Whatever you decide, make sure it feels fair to your specific school community.
How do we keep superlatives inclusive?
Creating truly inclusive good superlatives requires intentional planning and diverse perspectives. Form a review committee that includes students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds and experiences. This group should evaluate every proposed category through an inclusivity lens.
Use language that celebrates rather than judges. Instead of categories that might unintentionally exclude students based on economic status, cultural background, or family situation, focus on personality traits, talents, and positive characteristics that anyone could possess.
Regular review of past results can reveal patterns you might not notice otherwise. If you consistently see the same types of students winning certain categories, it might indicate that those awards favor particular groups. This doesn't mean scrapping popular categories, but it might suggest adding new ones that recognize different kinds of contributions.
Respectful language matters enormously. Categories should make winners feel proud, not embarrassed. When in doubt, ask yourself: "Would I want to win this award?" If the answer isn't an enthusiastic yes, keep brainstorming.
Conclusion
Creating good superlatives is about so much more than filling pages in a yearbook. These special awards become the stories students tell at reunions twenty years later. They're the reason someone keeps their yearbook on the coffee table instead of buried in a closet.
When you get superlatives right, something magical happens. Students start talking about them weeks before voting begins. They nominate friends for categories that perfectly capture their personalities. The quiet kid who always helps with tech problems finally gets recognized as the "Tech Whisperer." The student who makes everyone laugh during lunch becomes "Most Likely to Have Their Own Comedy Special."
The secret ingredient isn't just creativity—it's intentionality. Every superlative should make someone feel truly seen. When schools balance humor with heart, tradition with fresh ideas, and fun with genuine respect, they create something that sticks with students forever.
We've seen this change happen hundreds of times through our work at Rocket Alumni Solutions. Schools that accept thoughtful superlatives report stronger graduation ceremonies, more engaged alumni, and students who feel genuinely celebrated for who they are—not just what they achieved academically.
The best part? Technology now lets us extend these celebrations far beyond graduation day. Our interactive digital superlatives platform helps schools create year-round displays that keep these special recognitions alive in hallways, at community events, and on social media.
Your students deserve to be celebrated in ways that reflect their actual personalities, dreams, and quirks. Whether you're honoring preschoolers as "Future Astronauts" or seniors as "Most Likely to Start a Unicorn Company," the perfect superlative is waiting to make someone's entire year.
Start with our list, add your own school's flavor, and watch as good superlatives transform not just your yearbook, but your entire school culture. Because every student has something special worth celebrating—sometimes they just need the right superlative to help everyone else see it too.
