St. Laurent School Valedictorian Selection Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, fair, and consistent process for selecting the Grade 12 valedictorian at St. Laurent School.

The valedictorian is selected to represent the graduating class at the graduation ceremony. This role is an honour and should reflect academic achievement, positive character, responsibility, and the values of St. Laurent School.

Definition

The valedictorian is a graduating Grade 12 student selected to deliver an address at the graduation ceremony on behalf of the graduating class.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for valedictorian, a student must:

1. Be eligible to graduate in the current school year.

2. Be enrolled as a Grade 12 student at St. Laurent School.

3. Demonstrate positive conduct and responsible citizenship.

4. Be in good standing with the school regarding attendance, behaviour, and academic progress.

5. Be willing and able to prepare and deliver a graduation address that is appropriate for the school community.

6. Meet the academic average requirements outlined in this policy.

7. Represent the values of St. Laurent School’s HAWKS expectations:

Honest
The student demonstrates honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness in their interactions with students, staff, and the school community.

Attitude
The student demonstrates a positive attitude, resilience, and respect toward learning, staff, peers, and school expectations.

Work Ethic
The student demonstrates commitment, effort, responsibility, and perseverance in their academic program and school involvement.

Kindness
The student treats others with care, empathy, inclusion, and respect.

Sportsmanship
The student demonstrates fairness, humility, cooperation, and respect for others in school activities, academics, athletics, and daily interactions.

Academic Average Requirement

The primary academic threshold for valedictorian consideration shall be an average of 80 percent or higher in the student’s Grade 12 subjects.

The average will be calculated using the student’s current Grade 12 courses required for graduation, based on the most recent available marks at the time of selection.

If no eligible student with an average of 80 percent or higher wishes to be considered, the school may consider students with an average of 70 percent or higher.

If no eligible student with an average of 70 percent or higher wishes to be considered, the principal may consider other graduating students who are in good standing and who can appropriately represent the graduating class.

Selection Process

1. School administration will review the list of potential graduating students.

2. Grade 12 academic averages will be calculated using the most current available marks.

3. Students who meet the academic threshold will be invited to indicate whether they wish to be considered.

4. If more than one student wishes to be considered, the principal or designate may consult with Grade 12 teachers, student services staff, and other relevant school staff.

5. Final selection will be made by the principal or designate.

Selection Considerations

When selecting the valedictorian, the school may consider:

1. Academic achievement.

2. Attendance and engagement.

3. Behaviour and conduct.

4. Contributions to the school community.

5. Ability to represent the graduating class respectfully.

6. Willingness to prepare and deliver an appropriate speech.

7. Staff input regarding the student’s readiness for the role.

8. The degree to which the student demonstrates the HAWKS values of Honesty, Attitude, Work Ethic, Kindness, and Sportsmanship.

Speech Expectations

The valedictorian speech must be appropriate for a school graduation ceremony.

The speech should:

1. Reflect positively on the graduating class.

2. Acknowledge the school community respectfully.

3. Represent the HAWKS values of Honesty, Attitude, Work Ethic, Kindness, and Sportsmanship.

4. Avoid inappropriate language, personal attacks, private student information, or content that could embarrass students, staff, families, or the school.

5. Be submitted to the principal or designate for review before the graduation ceremony.

The principal or designate may require revisions before the speech is approved.

Final Decision

The principal or designate has final authority over the selection of the valedictorian.

The principal may determine that no valedictorian will be selected if no suitable candidate is available.

Review

This policy will be reviewed as needed by school administration.