In the article, it talks about how some people take being valedictorian extremely serious. It doesn't matter how you get up there, as long as you do. You always have to be the best as well as the smartest. This guy decided to do a shortcut and took an easy course to get himself on top since he realized there was a loophole. Grades actually do not matter. Since only your credits mattered, he took an easy course so that his GPA could jump. Once he was announced to be valedictorian, everyone was enraged by what he did. People take being the best in class thing too seriously. No one actually focuses on talent and the fight to get to the top. The principal at Sarasota High School did the right thing when he took out the valedictorian system and enforced a nicer competition.
Kennedy did the right thing by abolishing the valedictorian system and instead, only enforcing the top 10% of each class recognition. That means more people will be recognized for the hard work that was put in to be where they are. Just because you are not number one does not mean you are not smart. When you have dealt with the hard classes and its roller coaster ride, you'd want to be recognized for it.
Parents were starting to sue the school for the valedictorian spot. When someone is willing to hire a good lawyer to waste their time in court, the issue means something to them. All parents would like to brag about their child to their friends and family saying, "My child was the best." But is that always the case? Or is it simply, "My child just tries harder." Grades don't tell you as much about a student anymore. Schools are evolving. Some in a positive way where everything is more competitive while some in a negative fashion, where the criteria is getting easier within the years. Being valedictorian at one school does not mean you are smarter than the other kid at the better school.
With today's technology and resources, it's hard to decide whether it's hard work they're doing or it's just their research method. The internet provides all information. Some students have it right near their finger tips so whenever they see a problem they cannot resolve on their school work, they search it online. Back then, it was whether you know it or you don't and have to result in looking in a book. Technology makes it easier for students to advance because everything is not as time consuming. Everyone is capable of being right. So therefore, you cannot determine who is the smartest since they are incorporating their knowledge with the global web.
Overall, the valedictorian system is not accurate anymore due to the time period, the standing of the school, and global technology advances. In having recognize the top 10%, you acknowledge more of the students who have put in hard work throughout the four years. More people would be appreciated and everyone would get to graduate with a big proud smile on their face.
