Below The Beltway

Its high school graduation time again, which means its time for more controversy about naming the class valedictorian.

As high school graduates across the region accept their diplomas this month, one tradition has changed greatly. The title of valedictorian — the coveted top slot for the brainiest student — is no longer necessarily reserved for the single best student.

A growing number of schools, such as Robinson, bestow the title on every graduate who earns a grade-point average of 4.0 or higher. Montgomery and Howard county schools have done away with the distinction to ease competition in a system that was producing increasingly more 4.0 students. Other districts — Prince George’s and Loudoun counties, Alexandria and the District included — have stuck with the traditional route: Pick one valedictorian and a salutatorian. (Unless a tie forces a few students to share the glory.)

And what is the impetus behind this move to redfine excellence ?

The push for multiple valedictorians began years ago, prompted by concerns that high school had become too competitive — so competitive that a few students seeking the title filed lawsuits. As more students enrolled in weighted advanced classes and earned grade-point averages far above 4.0, educators wondered whether it was fair to single out one teenager. There was concern a student would take a less challenging class to guarantee an A or take on an unreasonable workload of weighted classes to boost a GPA.

And the lawsuits are no small concern. A Google search brings up this story of such a lawsuit in Pennsylvania, and each June brings news of similar lawsuits filed by parents who are convinced that their child is the “best and the brightest” and demand recognition of that fact.

In addition to lawsuits, though, there is also a distinct egalitarian tone to this idea of multiple valedictorians:

Meier said that in a school as big as Robinson Secondary, which had 687 graduates this year, it would be a shame to single out only one high-achieving student.

“The competition is very, very steep to be shortstop or to be the lead in the class play,” Meier said. “But when you have 30 or 40 people who have a GPA over 4.0, this is a way to recognize all of them.”

And there’s nothing wrong with recognizing everyone’s acheivement, but what, tell me, is wrong with recognizing the achievement of the one student who is on top of the others ? Why are we so afraid to acknowledge excellence ?

At least one student recognizes this:

Robyn Burgess, a co-valedictorian at Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s, does not buy the argument that everyone can be a winner. She is not thrilled that a virtual tie in GPA made her share the honor.

“My whole aim is to be on top,” Burgess said. “If I was one of a few, it’s not as special.”

As does her Principal:

Oxon Hill Principal Gordon Libby agrees with his top student. Libby wasn’t his school’s valedictorian, but his friend, whom he fondly remembers as “the nerdy guy who hit the books,” was.

“We have a society where you’re going to be competitive your whole life,” he said. “When you apply for a job they aren’t going to say, ‘Everybody did good, come on in.’ Somebody wins, and somebody loses.”

This story reminds me of the increasing trend of Little League games where they don’t keep score, or a Connecticut football conference that penalizes the coach if his team scores “too many” points. All three stories are, in the end, about shielding children from competition. I’m sure the people who advocate these things think they’re helping kids, but they’re not. The sooner you learn that there is such a thing in the world as winning and losing, the sooner you’ll be prepared for the world you’ll encounter once you throw off that cap and gown.

More thoughts from Ann Althouse:

The title of valedictorian is a terrific prize, and it becomes meaningless if every great student wins it. Why replicate the message that is already present in the academic records? Just give the prize to the person with the highest GPA and be done with it. State the rule in advance and follow it. That’s certainly the best lawyer repellent.

Oh I don’t know, I think a lawyer would find an argument to make anyway.