Valedictorian
Valedictorian (VD) is an academic title for the highest-performing student of a graduating class of an academic institution.
The valedictorian is generally determined by an academic institution's
The term is an
The term is not widely used outside the United States, Canada, and the Philippines, although some countries may award equivalent titles. In Australia, the title is sometimes awarded to a member of a graduating university class on the basis of a contribution to the school rather than academic success. The highest-ranking student in a graduating class is often referred to as dux (Latin for "leader"), and may or may not give a speech. In France the term Major de promotion ("first in class") is used, although the term is not related to any ceremonial role, as there are rarely graduation ceremonies in schools or universities.
Selection
The most common method of selection is typically based upon the highest
Some institutions award the title based upon various criteria such as an overall academic record of grades and credits, a student's grade point average, the level of rigor within a student's academic program of studies, a vote by school administrators, the level of participation in and dedication to extracurricular activities, and one's public-speaking skills and abilities. In other schools, the position may be elected by the school body or appointed directly by the school administration based on various systems of merit. Some schools may feature "co-valedictorians" in lieu of conferring the title on a single individual from among the graduating class. This may occur in the case of a numerical tie in grade point averages, as part of a Latin honors system.
Awards
A valedictorian is usually given a gold medal during the graduation ceremony, with the salutatorian receiving a silver medal.[citation needed]
Controversy
The awarding of the valedictorian honor may be the subject of heated controversy. Often the differences separating the top student from the nearest competitors are small, and sometimes there are accusations that the winner took advantage of the rules in a way that seemed unfair, such as taking easy courses to get additional credits.
Valedictory address
The valedictory address, or valediction, is the closing or farewell statement delivered at a graduation ceremony. It is an oration at commencement (in Canada, called convocation in university and graduation in high school) exercises in U.S. and some Canadian high schools, colleges, and universities delivered by one of the graduates. The mode of discourse generally is inspirational and persuasive. The various aims of this address are to inspire the graduates and to thank individuals responsible for their successes while reflecting on youthful frivolity and the accomplishments of the class. Above all, however, the primary aim of the valedictory address is to allow a representative of the graduating class to bid a final farewell to the students and to the school, as the graduates prepare to disperse and to begin the next phase of their lives.
See also
References
- ^ "Valedictorian Definition & Meaning". Merriam-Webster. Archived from the original on Sep 9, 2023.
- ^ Talbot, Margaret (June 6, 2005). "Best in Class: Students are suing their way to the top". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on February 23, 2007.
- ^ DeCuir, Marissa (2007-06-28). "Schools playing down valedictorian honors". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2007-06-30. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
- ^ Bound, Amy (November 14, 2007). "BVSD nixes title of valedictorian". Daily Camera. Archived from the original on November 15, 2007.
- ^ a b Hornstine v. Township of Moorestown, 263 F.Supp.2d 887 (D.N.J. 2003-05-08).
- ^ Dill, Kathryn (May 25, 2017). "This is why class valedictorians don't become millionaires". CNBC. Retrieved January 4, 2021.