Before reading Talbot’s Best in Class on valedictorians, I didn’t even think that there could be so much controversy on the position of becoming valedictorian in high school. After reading it, I was surprised about all the ramifications that have occurred out of it. High school is full of competition and wanting to be on the top of the class. Students would do anything to be the best and become valedictorian. The position of valedictorian gives many students a goal to do their best and become #1 in their class. The smartest student should be rewarded for what they achieved in high school, and the title of valedictorian is a good way to show it.
However, a student’s school life should not be revolved around this high school goal of being valedictorian. Even though it is good way to show appreciation to the smartest student, in all honesty, the title doesn’t matter much in the future. There are so many more important things in high school than becoming ranked 1. In Talbot’s article, one of her interviewees said that nobody really praises the valedictorian when college comes around, nobody cares. The position of valedictorian shouldn’t cause all these school board cases and problems in education, when in the end it will not even matter. All in all, becoming valedictorian is a cool thing, but not all as important as everybody makes it out to be.
I completely agree with you when you say it doesn't matter in college, but it is still a good title to have. I know every time I hear that someone was a valedictorian, I automatically think they are super smart. Yes the grade can be totally inflated, but I'm pretty sure a employer of a high quality business would think the same. The title is important for how people perceive who you are before they hire you.
ReplyDeleteIt may not be something that will matter once you get to college but is is something that can help you to get into your desired college. Being valedictorian can also make you feel good as a student. As if you have done everything to be the best to prepare yourself for college. The title will be slowly lost as you get older but it is something that the student who received it will never forget.
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ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Nyara that the title of valedictorian will help you chances of getting into your reach school. Valedictorians are often looked upon favorably by the most prestigious universities, for they demonstrate the competitiveness of the student. On the other hand, students should not become abnormally obsessive with becoming valedictorian. It is when a student becomes unhealthy and unsocial that they must reflect upon the true value of the title. In the long run, however, valedictorians do not supersede anyone in the job markets because employers look at your successes in higher education indirectly making secondary education seem trivial. Sure the title of valedictorian may seem glorious to the ambitious high school student, but the real competition does not start until we embark on our career in our respective fields.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the title of valedictorian is not really that important after high school. Being valedictorian is a very useful tool to help you get into college. Although it helps you get into college it will not get you any special treatment after that. However, it is a very great achievement to have. I completely agree with you when you say that there should not be that much controversy on this subject.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Natalie, the name valedictorian is what a lot of high school students try to achieve and I think schools should keep them. It is only fair to acknowledge the outgoing student ranked number one with this name. Though,as you mentioned, the students should not only concentrate on ranking first in their class. They should also enjoy their high school experience so when they look back they don't have to say ALL they remember doing was studying and being stressed.
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