Valedictorian

In the United States and Canada, the title of valedictorian (an anglicized derivation from the Latin vale dicere 'to say farewell') is given to the top graduate of the graduating class (compare dux) of an educational institution.

Related Topics:
United States - Canada - Anglicized - Derivation - Latin - Graduate - Dux

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This honor is traditionally based on either grades and overall GPA or a vote of the graduating students, but consideration is sometimes also given to other factors such as extracurricular activities. The title comes from the valedictorian's traditional role as the last speaker at the graduation ceremony.

Related Topics:
GPA - Extracurricular activities - Graduation

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Famous valedictorians include the following:

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• Steve Ballmer
• Johnny Bench
• Conan O'Brien
• Cindy Crawford
• Robert Frost
• Alicia Keys
• Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
• Ben Stein
• William Rehnquist
• "Weird Al" Yankovic
• Nicole Sullivan

The second highest graduate is referred to as the salutatorian.

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Valedictorian: See also ►