Child Doesn't Receive Math Award at Honors Assembly

I created a new math award for students at our middle school, and the principal decided not to have me present the plaque to the winner at Honors Assembly. Instead, he presented a "piece of paper" saying that the girl had won some kind of an award. I still have the award, even though the student left the district two years ago.
This happened in front of her parents and classmates. Why would a school so viciously embarrass one of its bright students? I have never received an explanation of why this happened, even though I asked. The principal approved the award and invited all the math staff to help vote. -- Strange School Behavior
Answer: Creating the math award was a great thing to do. However, you are not being realistic. The winner did receive a piece of paper representing the award, so she was obviously recognized. The child felt special, but you didn't, because you did not get to present the award. Principals do tend to present awards at awards ceremonies.
The question is not about the school embarrassing one of its bright students. It is: Why have you still got the award? Why didn't you just give the award to the child after the ceremony? It's time to move beyond this, as it happened two years ago. Do pat yourself on the back for creating an award that provides motivation for students to work hard and achieve in school.