These prestigious honors recognize the top two academic performers in each graduating class, distinguishing students who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, intellectual prowess, and consistent excellence throughout their high school journey.
The Valedictorian is traditionally the student with the highest cumulative GPA in the graduating class. This individual has consistently excelled in all their courses, often taking the most rigorous academic pathways available. The Valedictorian typically has the honor of delivering the valedictory address at the graduation ceremony, offering a farewell and inspiring message to their fellow graduates and the entire school community.
The Salutatorian is the student with the second-highest cumulative GPA. This is also an incredibly significant achievement, representing a close second in academic standing and an equally impressive commitment to learning. The Salutatorian often delivers the salutatory address, a welcoming speech at the beginning of the graduation ceremony, setting a celebratory tone for the event.
Understanding Valedictorian and Salutatorian on Our 5.0 GPA Scale
Our school system is proud to recognize the exceptional academic achievements of our top graduating seniors with the prestigious titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian. These honors celebrate the students who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and academic excellence throughout their high school careers.
How We Calculate It:
To ensure a fair and consistent assessment, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian are determined by the highest cumulative Grade Point Averages (GPAs), calculated on a 5.0 weighted scale.
Here's a quick look at what that means:
Standard Courses (A=4.0): Most academic courses will contribute a maximum of 4.0 points for an "A" grade to your GPA.
Advanced/Weighted Courses (A=5.0): To acknowledge the increased rigor and challenge, specific advanced courses (such as AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment) are weighted on a 5.0 scale. This means an "A" in one of these courses will contribute 5.0 points to your cumulative GPA, giving appropriate recognition for taking on more demanding coursework. Not all dual enrollment classes are weighted. See the Dual Enrollment section of this website for more information about how classes are weighted. Please note that any score not reported from the university to Carroll County Schools at the time of val/sal calculations will be excluded from the calculation.
The student with the absolute highest cumulative GPA on this 5.0 weighted scale will be named the Valedictorian, earning the honor of delivering the farewell address at graduation. The student with the second-highest cumulative GPA will be named the Salutatorian, traditionally offering the welcoming remarks.
We encourage all students to challenge themselves academically and strive for excellence. If you have questions about specific course weighting or how your GPA is calculated, please consult your school counselor.
ValSal calculations students entering ninth grade 2023-2024 and after.pdf