Definition · Plain-language
Valedictorian
A valedictorian is the highest-ranked student in a graduating class, traditionally honoured by giving the farewell valedictory speech at commencement.
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Where the term comes from
The word valedictorian derives from the Latin phrase “vale dicere”, meaning “to say farewell”. The honour originated in American colleges and remains most common in the United States, where it recognises the single top-ranked member of a graduating class at high-school or college level. The valedictorian is asked to deliver the valedictory address — the closing, farewell speech of the commencement ceremony — while the second-ranked student, the salutatorian, traditionally gives the opening salutation.
How a valedictorian is chosen
Most schools select the valedictorian by class rank, calculated from cumulative grade point average across the student’s record. Because course difficulty matters, many schools use a weighted GPA that gives extra points for honours, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, so that demanding schedules are rewarded. Tie-breakers, rigour of courses taken and conduct can also factor in. Selection methods vary widely between institutions, and the title is an honour conferred by the school rather than a nationally standardised award.
A contested tradition
The single-valedictorian model has become controversial. Critics argue that ranking students by tiny GPA differences fuels unhealthy competition and can turn on a single grade. In response, a growing number of US schools have abolished the named valedictorian, recognise multiple valedictorians who all reach the top threshold, or use a Latin-honours system (such as summa cum laude) instead. Where the title survives, it remains a prestigious mark of sustained academic achievement across a student’s entire programme.
Key facts
At a glance
- Definition: The highest-ranked graduate of a class.
- Origin: Latin “vale dicere” — to say farewell.
- Role: Delivers the valedictory (farewell) address at commencement.
- Selected by: Highest cumulative GPA / class rank, often weighted.
- Runner-up: The second-ranked graduate is the salutatorian.
- Region: Chiefly a US tradition at high-school and college level.
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: The valedictorian is just the most popular or best-liked student.
Actually: The valedictorian is chosen on academic standing — typically the highest cumulative GPA or class rank — not popularity. It is an honour earned through sustained top performance across the programme.
Often heard: Every school can have only one valedictorian.
Actually: Many US schools now name multiple valedictorians who reach a top threshold, or have replaced the single title with a Latin-honours system, precisely to reduce hairline GPA competition.
Often heard: Valedictorian and salutatorian mean the same level of ranking.
Actually: They are distinct ranks. The valedictorian is first in the class and gives the farewell address; the salutatorian is second and traditionally gives the opening salutation.
