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Years ago, schools across the country used to name a valedictorian every year for the graduating class. The top student was acknowledged at graduation. However, schools have since removed this title, no longer recognizing the tremendous accomplishment. While some believe that was the right decision, there is great reason to believe that naming a valedictorian is a practice schools should reinstate, because of the validation that is attached to the name.
Valedictorians represent students of the highest achievement and dedication. According to StageClip’s article “The Importance of Valedictorian Recognition at Graduation,” it states, “They are role models who have demonstrated the ability to excel academically while often also participating in leadership roles, community service, or other extracurricular activities. Their achievements are not just about grades but also about the character and leadership skills they’ve developed.” Considering the amount of hard work required to make all of these accomplishments happen, students deserve the validation that comes with the title.
Valedictorians possess many traits that demonstrate they are amazing students. StageClip claims, “Public recognition of these students during graduation emphasizes the importance of these qualities. It sends a message that true success is multifaceted and includes academic prowess, leadership, and a strong moral compass.” Valedictorians play a crucial role in schools that aim to encourage their students to become models of excellent character. They benefit not just the person being awarded the title, but all students in the school, by setting the standard and acting as a role model for others to work to be more like. “This recognition serves as a powerful motivator for other students. It shows that hard work pays off and that academic achievement is something to be celebrated,” provides StageClip.
Gradutation Source
The Brook Hill School
Those who work extra hard to achieve great things may feel ignored or unnoticed if not recognized in some way for their efforts. If students are not acknowledged for their tremendous achievements and hard work, it discourages them from continuing to strive for success. In the article “The honor of being valedictorian should not be eliminated,” The Central Trend’s journalist Emily Obermeyer proclaims, “Athletes would be extremely discouraged if we took away the State tournament, the All State team honors, or other honors that can be given to athletes. By taking away the Valedictorian, we are essentially doing the same to all those studious individuals striving to graduate at the top of their class.” Is it fair that athletics get rewarded for their success, but academics no longer do without valedictorian?
In the Central Trend’s article, it explains, “This kind of competition can act as a motivation to those who want to strive academically. In life, if you are not the best, you are made aware of that. If we remove this position of honor, it simply will coddle other students.” Valedictorian actually has significance later in life, despite what many may think. While some may call this harsh, it is the truth, and the idea of valedictorian opens students up to how the real world works. Students won’t improve or push themselves if they are continuously sheltered and hidden from the realities of the world.
Being named valedictorian is a tremendous honor, and it is definitely well earned. Recognizing the incredible amount of hard work and long hours put into achieving this allows students to feel a sense of validation for everything they did to get themselves there. “By recognizing these students at graduation, schools acknowledge not only their academic excellence but also their dedication to learning and personal growth,” StageClip comments. Valedictorians are recognized for more than just their smarts; they are congratulated for their character and commitment as well. Both are equally important, so it is vital to acknowledge these characteristics.
Hard-working students commit themselves to becoming successful in every way possible. StageClip mentions, “Recognizing their achievements publicly at graduation not only honors their academic success but also acknowledges the personal commitment and sacrifices they’ve made along the way. It’s a moment for these students to reflect on the challenges they’ve overcome and to take pride in what they’ve accomplished.” Valedictorians are awarded the respect they deserve for all they have endured to achieve their goals, pushing through even when it is extremely challenging.
Honor Society
Blueprint
Despite this, some argue that valedictorians are harmful to the school system and the learning environment. They claim that it is an unhealthy system that ranks students based on their intellects. However, this kind of system actually inspires healthy competition to push students to work harder. It inspires more success from students when friendly rivalry is in play.
To conclude, the practice of naming a valedictorian at high schools across the country has significant importance in more ways than one. Valedictorians are not about picking out the smartest students; their true purpose is to honor the dedication of those who have worked incredibly hard and pushed through more challenges than one can count to accomplish great things. Reinstating valedictorians in high schools would award devoted individuals with the validation they deserve, providing reason for change to be made.
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