What was the reward for Ponyboy?

In "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton, Ponyboy Curtis does not receive a traditional reward but finds personal growth and a sense of belonging by the end of the story. After the traumatic events involving his friends and the gang conflict, Ponyboy gains a deeper understanding of his identity and the importance of family and friendship. He ultimately channels his experiences into writing, suggesting that his true reward is the ability to express himself and connect with others through storytelling.