American high schools must prepare students to succeed in a competitive world. But the intensely competitive process of selecting a class valedictorian hurts students more than it helps them.
Most high schools have only one valedictorian, which often leads to bitter competition among high-achieving students. In some places, students begin plotting in middle school how to outdo their classmates. The result can be broken friendships, diminished collaboration, and a tense atmosphere.
Many colleges no longer name valedictorians. In the 18th century, they began to shift to identifying a large group of honors students: high-achieving students can graduate cum laude (with honor), magna cum laude (with great honor) or summa cum laude (with highest
Most high schools have only one valedictorian, which often leads to bitter competition among high-achieving students. In some places, students begin plotting in middle school how to outdo their classmates. The result can be broken friendships, diminished collaboration, and a tense atmosphere.
Many colleges no longer name valedictorians. In the 18th century, they began to shift to identifying a large group of honors students: high-achieving students can graduate cum laude (with honor), magna cum laude (with great honor) or summa cum laude (with highest