In general, the word "valedictorian" is not capitalized unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence. Here's why:
* When referring to someone's title or position (e.g., "The valedictorian gave an impressive speech."), it's typically written in lowercase.
* However, when using it as a noun that describes something (e.g., "The valedictorian scholarship is awarded annually."), the capitalization rules for common nouns apply, and it would be capitalized.
So:
* "the valedictorian" or "a valedictorian"
* "Valedictorian" at the start of a sentence: "Valedictorian Sarah Smith delivered an inspiring graduation address."
Remember that these are general guidelines. If you're unsure about capitalization in a specific context, such as academic writing or official documents, it's always best to consult with the relevant style guide (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) or seek guidance from your instructor or a subject matter expert.
In general, when referring to a specific person who is the valedictorian of their class or yearbook, it's common to capitalize "Valedictorian" (e.g., "John Smith, Valedictorian").
However, if you're using the title more generically or in a phrase that doesn't refer to a specific individual, it's not typically capitalized (e.g., "The valedictorian of our class is an excellent speaker.").
Here are some examples to illustrate this:
* Correct: "Emily Johnson, Valedictorian of our graduating class."
* Incorrect: "emily johnson is the valedictorian of our school." (should be capitalized)
* Correct: "The valedictorian of our class will give the commencement speech."
* Incorrect: "the valedictorian of my school is a great leader." (should not be capitalized)
In summary, if you're referring to a specific person who holds the title, capitalize it. If you're using it more broadly or generically, don't capitalize it.
(Note: This guidance applies to general writing styles and may vary depending on specific style guides, such as AP Stylebook or MLA.)
In general, the title "Valedictorian" is not capitalized unless it appears as part of a formal title or at the beginning of a sentence. Here are some guidelines:
* When used as an adjective to describe someone's academic achievement, such as "the valedictorian of our class," it is not capitalized.
* When used as a noun referring to the person who has achieved this distinction, such as "The Valedictorian will deliver the commencement speech," it is typically capitalized.
However, some style guides and institutions may have specific rules for capitalizing "Valedictorian." For example:
* The Chicago Manual of Style recommends capitalizing "Valedictorian" when it appears at the beginning of a sentence or as part of a formal title.
* The Associated Press Stylebook suggests capitalizing "Valedictorian" only when it is used as a formal title, such as on a diploma or in an official announcement.
It's always a good idea to check with your institution or publication's style guide for specific guidelines on capitalizing "Valedictorian."
According to the AP Stylebook, "valedictorian" is not typically capitalized unless it appears as part of a title or in a quotation.
For example:
* The school's valedictorian gave a speech at graduation. (lowercase)
* Valedictorian Jane Smith delivered a powerful address. (capitalized because it's part of her title)
In general, AP style recommends capitalizing only proper nouns and titles that are officially recognized or established. In the case of "valedictorian," it is not an official title, but rather an honorific term used to describe the top student in a class.
So, unless you're referring specifically to the person holding the title (as in the example above), you would typically lowercase "valedictorian" in AP-style writing.
In the context of high school graduation, "Valedictorian" and "Salutatorian" are two titles that are often confused with each other. Here's a brief explanation:
**Valedictorian:**
The Valedictorian is the student who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of their high school career. This title is usually awarded to the student who has maintained the highest GPA throughout their four years of high school.
**Salutatorian:**
The Salutatorian, on the other hand, is the student who has achieved the second-highest cumulative GPA at the end of their high school career. In some cases, the Salutatorian may be the student who has come closest to achieving the highest GPA, but fell just short.
In a typical scenario:
* The Valedictorian is usually the top academic achiever in the graduating class.
* The Salutatorian is the student who comes in second place academically, but still has an impressive record.
* Both students are often honored with special titles and responsibilities during the graduation ceremony.
The Valedictorian speech!
A well-crafted Valedictorian speech can be a powerful and memorable moment for the graduating class, their families, and even the wider audience. Here are some tips to help you create an outstanding Valedictorian speech:
**Key themes:**
1. **Gratitude**: Express your appreciation to family, friends, teachers, and mentors who have supported you throughout your journey.
2. **Reflection**: Share a personal anecdote or two about your high school experience, highlighting the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
3. **Advice**: Offer words of wisdom and advice to your fellow graduates as they embark on their next chapter.
4. **Inspiration**: Share inspiring stories or quotes that have motivated you, and encourage your peers to stay motivated and focused.
**Structuring your speech:**
1. **Introduction**: Start with a strong opening that grabs the audience's attention. You could share a personal story, make a thought-provoking statement, or quote someone inspirational.
2. **Body**: Divide your body into 3-5 paragraphs, each focusing on one of the themes mentioned above. Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points.
3. **Conclusion**: End with a strong message that leaves a lasting impression. Summarize your key takeaways and reiterate the importance of staying connected with one another.
**Tips for delivering your speech:**
1. **Practice, practice, practice!**: Rehearse your speech several times to ensure you're comfortable with the material.
2. **Speak confidently**: Stand tall, make eye contact, and use a strong, clear tone.
3. **Use humor**: If you have a natural sense of humor, incorporate some lighthearted moments into your speech.
4. **Engage the audience**: Encourage the audience to participate by asking questions or sharing experiences.
**Example Valedictorian speech outline:**
Title: "The Journey Ahead"
I. Introduction
* Share a personal story about overcoming challenges
* Quote someone inspirational (e.g., Nelson Mandela)
II. Gratitude
* Thank family, friends, teachers, and mentors for their support
* Highlight the importance of relationships in your journey
III. Reflection
* Share a memorable experience from high school
* Discuss how you learned from your mistakes and successes
IV. Advice
* Offer words of wisdom for fellow graduates (e.g., stay curious, be kind)
* Emphasize the value of perseverance and resilience
V. Inspiration
* Share an inspiring story or quote that motivated you
* Encourage peers to stay motivated and focused on their goals
VI. Conclusion
* Summarize key takeaways from your speech
* End with a strong message that leaves a lasting impression (e.g., "Remember, our journey is just beginning...")
Remember to be yourself, speak sincerely, and have fun! Congratulations on being the Valedictorian – you're about to give an incredible speech!
Valedictorians are typically the students with the highest grade point average (GPA) in their graduating class. In many cases, this means achieving a GPA of 4.0 or higher, which is equivalent to all A's.
To be considered for valedictorian, students usually need to have an exceptional academic record throughout their high school career. This may involve:
1. Maintaining a perfect GPA: Students who consistently earn A's in every subject, with no grades lower than A- (or even B+), are strong candidates.
2. Earning high grades in challenging courses: Taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes and earning top grades can significantly boost a student's GPA and valedictorian chances.
3. Demonstrating academic consistency: Students who maintain their high level of achievement across multiple years, rather than having one exceptional year followed by a less stellar performance, are often favored for the title.
Some notable statistics about valedictorians:
* According to a National Honor Society study, the average GPA of valedictorians is around 3.96 (out of 4.0).
* A report from the College Board found that in 2019, the top 1% of high school graduates had an average GPA of 4.13.
* The same College Board report noted that students who achieve valedictorian status tend to have higher scores on the SAT or ACT exams compared to their peers.
Keep in mind that specific criteria for valedictorian selection can vary significantly between schools, so it's essential to check with your school administration for their policies and guidelines.
The pronunciation of "Valedictorian" is often a source of confusion.
Here's the correct pronunciation:
/vəˌleɪdɪkˈtɛrɪən/
Breakdown:
* "Val-" sounds like "vuh-"
* "-ed-" sounds like "eh-"
* "-ictor-" sounds like "ik-tor" (with a soft "t" and a slight emphasis on the "tor")
* "-ian" sounds like "ee-an"
Put it all together, and you get: vuh-EH-dik-TOR-ee-en.
So, when someone asks you to pronounce Valedictorian, you can confidently say:
/vəˌleɪdɪkˈtɛrɪən/