A long-standing tradition and measure of academic excellence, the title of valedictorian has been an intense point of contention for high school students in recent decades. In her piece “Best in Class”, author Margaret Talbot considers the consequences of naming valedictorians in the highly competitive environment of today’s schools. Appealing to students and school workers, she assumes an approachable, conversational tone, examining multiple points of view without obvious partiality. Talbot uses numerous interviews, anecdotes, and personal experiences to explain the aggressive contest for valedictorian and the legal disputes that follow.
Talbot’s selection of interviews emphasizes the extent of the conflicts and the sentiments that contribute
Talbot’s selection of interviews emphasizes the extent of the conflicts and the sentiments that contribute