valedictorians
Graduation speech givers
Valedictorians are students who deliver the valedictory address at graduation, typically those with the highest academic standing in their class.
The honor usually goes to whoever earns the top grade point average: She was named valedictorian of her high school class.
Some schools now name multiple valedictorians to avoid cutthroat competition over fractions of a point.
Top graduation honor
- magna cum laudeLatin academic distinction
- top of classHighest-ranked student academically
- academic excellenceSuperior performance in studies
- class rankPosition among graduating students
distinction · honor roll · dean's list · Phi Beta Kappa · honors · scholarship · merit · accomplishment
Act of starting
- cap and gownCeremonial graduation attire
- diplomaAcademic completion document
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- processionFormal moving line
tassel · mortarboard · regalia · academic robe · baccalaureate · convocation · pomp and circumstance · alma mater
Honor given for merit
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- certificateFormal written attestation
plaque · medal · trophy · announcement · spotlight · applause · pride · acknowledgment
Formal graduation ceremony speech
- orationFormal public speech
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- microphoneAudio input device
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
rhetoric · inspiration · memorable quotes · reflection · future · advice · gratitude · farewell
Person others emulate
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
- influencePower to affect others
- exampleRepresentative case shown
guidance · initiative · community service · extracurriculars · student government · clubs · volunteer · responsibility
summa cum laude
Top graduation honor
- magna cum laudeLatin academic distinction
- top of classHighest-ranked student academically
- academic excellenceSuperior performance in studies
class rank · distinction · honor roll · dean's list · Phi Beta Kappa · honors · scholarship · merit · accomplishment · excellence
commencement
Act of starting
- cap and gownCeremonial graduation attire
- diplomaAcademic completion document
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
procession · tassel · mortarboard · regalia · academic robe · baccalaureate · convocation · pomp and circumstance · alma mater · conferral
award
Honor given for merit
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- commendationFormal expression of approval
certificate · plaque · medal · trophy · announcement · spotlight · applause · pride · acknowledgment · congratulations
commencement address
Formal graduation ceremony speech
- orationFormal public speech
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- microphoneAudio input device
audience · rhetoric · inspiration · memorable quotes · reflection · future · advice · gratitude · farewell · classmates
role model
Person others emulate
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
- influencePower to affect others
example · guidance · initiative · community service · extracurriculars · student government · clubs · volunteer · responsibility · dedication
- high achieversoverachievers, champions, gold medalists, record holders, world champions
- honoreeshonoree, honorees, award winner, awardee, awardees
- student typesjocks, kindergartners, nerds, first graders, geeks
- Elite AlumniHarvard alumni, distinguished alumni, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude
- academiaprofessors, universities, graduation cap, biology department, professor
- achieversachiever, high achiever, overachiever, go-getter, striver
valedictoriansdropouts
People who leave early
flunkouts · expelled students · salutatorians · remedial students · underachievers
- valedictorian speechTop graduate's ceremonial remarks