Hi Virginia ~ I want to say "GOOD FOR YOU" for volunteering to put together this reception. Do you have folks who are willing to help? Maybe the parents of the honor society students?

My favor idea involves asking a number of people to bake two or three dozen of their favorite cookies (or bar cookies). They bring the cookies to the reception area before the awards ceremony. Suggest they bring the treats in a box or a bag so you do not have to return serving platters or plates. Arrange some of the cookies onto nice big platters for the reception.

You divide the rest of the tasty treasures onto nice plastic or paper plates, wrapped with saran or celephane and tied with a bow. Guests then take home their own little package of homemade treats.

Note: We did this for a wedding reception and it was VERY well received. The cookies were generously and lovingly made by friends and coworkers of the groom's aunt. Everyone was thrilled.