Shortly after Homecoming Week, it occured to me and several of my friends, that there was no presentation of a Homecoming Court at the pep assembly or football game – like you see in the movies. This led to the realization that we also no longer have the titles of class Valedictorian and Salutitorian (you know, the students whose pictures ring the library). The Lincoln-Way District stopped awarding Valedictorian and Salutatorian in 2016, and it stopped the tradition of having a Homecoming Court about 5 years ago. But why?
Valedictorian
What is a valedictorian anyway? I believe a valedictorian is an individual who works hard day-in and day-out, but by definition, it is the highest academic achieving student in a class. This student also traditionally delivers the valedictory speech at graduation. Many schools now, however, have removed this role from the school setting. Why take it away? How is this achievement any different than winning a medal in a sport? The answer is it’s not; people who put in the work should receive recognition and not just a participation medal. It’s easy to participate in school, you simply just show up. But showing up and putting in maximum effort is what makes you more successful. The valedictorian of a school isn’t a role that discredits others, but instead is a way to push students to strive for first place in their education. Although it goes to only one individual, it is a symbol of motivation, and a valedictorian represents not only themselves but their class’s achievements collectively. A valedictorian is not only an achievement but an idea that motivates a student body.
Some schools now believe that education should not be a competition. They use this to validate taking away valedictorian. I’d argue that the title of valedictorian initiates a healthy competitive nature in school and is more beneficial to students. Just like when people are trying to achieve first place in a sport, they are more likely to put more effort into what they’re doing. Currently, Lincoln-Way Central High School, and all Lincoln-Way schools, have a newly implemented system of awarding high-achieving students regardless of weighted or unweighted classes. Through a council of students, staff, community, and administrators (and based on the award system many universities use) the development of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude were created. These are awarded groupings based on GPA. This development is very beneficial for the school atmosphere and allows for academic success; however, I believe it would also be beneficial to include, along with the groups, a new modern form of a valedictorian. I believe that each year a Valedictorian and Salutatorian should be picked for each class. It could be based on unweighted GPA to allow for all students to be eligible. I believe that having a valedictorian initiates a healthy competitive nature in an academic setting and pushes students to do their best.
Thank you to Dr. Skarbek for giving me the opportunity to learn more about what our school does to award students. If you are interested in more information regarding awards visit lw210.org and search “Grading and GPA” in the search bar.
Homecoming Court
In every stereotypical teenage movie, the student body votes for a king and queen whether that be for Prom or Homecoming. A court for dances has been a long-running tradition in many high schools across the country. Not many high schools in this day participate in the aged tradition. I would contend that, despite its age, it is a beneficial event for the student body. In some schools to vote for the court, one must buy a ticket and attend the dance. This initiates a greater participation in school events. Dances in high school help broaden social interactions and increase school spirit. Not only does voting for court affect the participation of the student body, but it builds knowledge on the importance of voting. This helps students in the future utilize voting as a means to voice their opinions. Court not only affects the students who vote but also allows for students to get involved and campaign. Despite what the movies say, Homecoming and Prom Court is an open opportunity where anyone can participate and have a chance at winning.
On the other hand, many individuals see the king and queen as an outdated popularity contest. Although the outcome of the votes does normally favor those who are considered to be “popular,” this “popularity” can also be seen when voting for political candidates based on similar beliefs and campaigning. Of course, this would assume that students were interested in participating in the nomination and voting process, which all Lincoln-Way schools were noticing a few years ago that this was not the case. By starting ideas of voting early on in life, the voters (student body) can see the importance in looking at all candidates, not just those with bigger social circles. This allows for individuals to recognize the importance of participation in your community. What better a way to start voting than at school?
In my opinion, there is still value in both traditions of naming a Homecoming Court and Valedictorian.
