valedictorian
Class academic leader
A valedictorian is the student with the highest academic standing in a graduating class, typically delivering the farewell speech at commencement.
The honor carries significant prestige in American high schools and colleges: She was named valedictorian of her class.
The title comes from a Latin word meaning to say farewell.
Act of starting
- diplomaAcademic completion document
- capCovering for top
- gownLong formal garment
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
tassel · regalia · processional · class · senior · graduate · convocation · stage
Speak to formally
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- orationFormal public speech
- eloquencePersuasive verbal grace
- deliveryConveyance of goods
rhetoric · remarks · audience · microphone · farewell · inspiring · memorable · nerves
Notable difference or honor
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
- GPACumulative academic score
- honorsRecognition for achievement
- awardHonor given for merit
recognition · merit · accolade · scholar · prize · scholastic · prestigious · commendation
Educational funding or erudition
- collegeHigher education institution
- universityHigher education institution
- admissionEntry or confession
- acceptanceConsent to receive
opportunities · potential · ambition · career · success · recommendation · application · prospects
Cumulative academic score
- transcriptVerbatim written account
- courseworkStudent academic tasks
- examsFormal academic tests
- studyDeliberate learning effort
homework · grades · semester · curriculum · extracurriculars · rigor · workload · all-nighters
commencement
Act of starting
ceremony · tassel · regalia · processional · class · senior · graduate · convocation · stage · walk
address
Speak to formally
delivery · rhetoric · remarks · audience · microphone · farewell · inspiring · memorable · nerves · draft
distinction
Notable difference or honor
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
- GPACumulative academic score
- honorsRecognition for achievement
award · recognition · merit · accolade · scholar · prize · scholastic · prestigious · commendation · overachiever
scholarship
Educational funding or erudition
- collegeHigher education institution
- universityHigher education institution
- admissionEntry or confession
acceptance · opportunities · potential · ambition · career · success · recommendation · application · prospects · promise
GPA
Cumulative academic score
- transcriptVerbatim written account
- courseworkStudent academic tasks
- examsFormal academic tests
study · homework · grades · semester · curriculum · extracurriculars · rigor · workload · all-nighters · perfectionism
- collegecampus, courses, application, dorms, dorm room
- school traditionspep rallies, graduation ceremony, school spirit, school dances, homeroom
- academic ceremoniescommencement, convocation, graduation, baccalaureate, matriculation
- Academic Honorscum laude, summa cum laude, dean's list, honor roll, honors
- Youth Awardsspelling bee trophy, Eagle Scout, honor roll, junior achievement, Duke of Edinburgh
- high schoolhigh school, teachers, classroom, classrooms, principal
valedictoriandropout
One who quits early
flunker · flunky · expelled student · underachiever · slacker
- valedictorian speechTop graduate's ceremonial remarks