Heads of the class

During commencement ceremonies for Shadle Park High School Saturday, valedictorian Lauree Crane urged her fellow classmates to follow logic and instinct as they go forth into the world.

The speech from valedictorian Lara Dennis was equally as motivating. As were speeches by Alyce Hill, Nicole Hyatt, and the eight other valedictorians who lined up waiting their turns at the microphone inside the INB Performing Arts Center.

Each of the school’s 12 valedictorians got 30 seconds to inspire the class of 2007.

While “Pomp and Circumstance” is still a staple at commencement ceremonies for local high schools, one tradition has changed greatly.

The honor of valedictorian – the coveted title reserved for the highest-performing student in a school – is no longer bestowed upon the single best student.

Like Shadle, a growing number of schools give the title to every graduate who earns a grade-point average of 4.0 or higher for seven semesters of high school.

“Most of our valedictorians take very challenging classes,” said Jo Vogel, assistant principal at Shadle. “But for right now there are no guidelines other than the 4.0.”

The result is dozens of straight-A students wearing medals and lined up to give a farewell speech.

At Mead High School, 19 students were named valedictorian this year, and Mount Spokane High School had 16 given the top honor. Both schools’ graduations were Friday.

Spokane’s Lewis and Clark High School, whose ceremony is today, has 14 valedictorians.

“We’ve talked about defining what is a valedictorian,” said Shadle’s Vogel. “Does it mean highest-performing scholars, or simply the 4.0?”

That question has prompted some districts to change their policies concerning the top title.

After more than a decade of having multiple valedictorians, the Coeur d’Alene School District changed its policy to name only one valedictorian and one salutatorian, or second-best student, at its two high schools.

Three or four years ago, the Central Valley School District did the same.

“It kind of had gotten to the point where there were just so many it sort of watered down the intent of a valedictorian.” said Jean Marczynski, executive director of teaching and learning for CV. “The intent is to celebrate the top student.”

Each CV high school names one valedictorian and one salutatorian, based on the GPA and the number of rigorous courses taken, such as Advanced Placement.

“So that it is truly celebrating the kids who have taken the most rigorous classes and have still maintained the high GPA,” Marczynski said.

While the distinction used to have some weight on college applications, these days other factors also are important, school officials said.

Many students said they supported a system that depends on rigor as well as grades and truly reflects the efforts of the brainiest students.

“There are many classes where it’s easy to get an A,” said Amy Pemberton, Shadle valedictorian.

“I definitely support weighted grades,” said classmate and valedictorian Rachel Wagley.

“It’s hard to share the title” with students who didn’t take the same level of difficult classes, she said.

“It’s nice to be recognized and it’s nice to have that on my resume,” said Leslie Berkseth, the lone valedictorian at University High School this year. U-Hi students graduated on Saturday.

“But it really comes down to how students view their accomplishments during high school. Obviously that means a lot more to them than any title,” Berkseth said.