The Fight for Valedictorian: Fair or Not?
The way valedictorian is determined isn’t fair because it often overlooks important qualities like character and personal growth. Some students, like those in medical science or computer science tracks, have the advantage of taking AP classes starting in their freshman and sophomore years. Meanwhile, others can’t start AP classes until their junior year. This gives students in specialized tracks an edge, even if they may not perform as well in those classes. The truth is, just because a student doesn’t do great in these advanced classes at first doesn’t mean they don’t have the potential to succeed later on. Everyone should have the same opportunity to take challenging courses when they’re ready, not be held back based on their academic track.
The competition for valedictorian also leads to dishonesty and unfairness. Some students might feel pressured to cheat or bend the rules to maintain their position at the top, and that’s not right. If the system is based solely on grades and early access to hard classes, it encourages unhealthy competition. It’s also not fair to judge students based on their performance during their freshman year when they’re still adjusting to high school and figuring out who they are. Valedictorian should reflect personal growth, effort, and doing your best, not just how early you start taking advanced classes.
Ultimately, the focus should shift toward a more balanced approach that values the journey of growth, rather than just the finish line. True achievement lies in how far a student has come, not just where they started.
