Valedictorian Essay

“How are students supposed to learn if they can’t see a colorful data wall? How are they going to develop necessary life skills if they don’t see a class objective every day? How are students supposed to become more knowledgeable if we don’t interrupt daily studies for mandated tests?” Surprisingly, it is not lazy students complaining, but teachers that often make such sarcastic remarks. It is not only students that are irritated and aware of the problem with our school system, the teachers bluntly speak of their own dissatisfaction. Many often say “The higher ups...My boss...They...” speaking with detachment from requirements that have no solid connection to the teaching process, doing “beneficial” classroom duties with distaste saying …show more content…
Probably the one of the most well-known awards is being chosen as the number one, as valedictorian. Margaret Talbot explored the impact of choosing valedictorians, using factual research and interviews. She elaborates on the possible requirements and processes that can be used to make such an election. Something interesting she cares to share is the fact that perhaps a valedictorian should not be the smartest student, but the one that exemplifies our most basic and admirable American qualities: “prodigious energy, tactical savvy” and determination (Talbot). If this type of student is recognized, perhaps so many won’t give up on their non-academic interests. Talbot, supported by data, concluded that valedictorians “conformed to the expectations of school” and choose “socially and financially secure” careers. They parted from athletic and musical aspirations. The truth of such a disheartening discovery concerns the issue of how schools use sheets of paper to “confer a status symbol upon it students,” as self-educated Malcolm X puts it. Education is not measured by certificates or medals, but by personal wisdom and understanding. It requires personal evaluation, no one else can fully determine how much you