How's Valedictorian chosen?

Just curious, I've heard the term 'valedictorian' thrown around a lot. Not sure if I could be one, but I'd like to know: how is the valedictorian chosen in U.S. high schools? Is it purely academic-based or other factors at play?

The determination of valedictorian varies from school to school, but it's commonly based heavily on academic performance. Typically, the valedictorian is the student with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), meaning they've achieved the highest grades in their class over the course of high school.

However, it's not always just about grades. Some schools also consider factors like rigor of curriculum. For instance, a student who has taken more challenging courses, such as Honors classes, AP courses, or dual enrollment courses, might have a stronger consideration if their GPA is close to another student who took less rigorous classes, even if the other student's GPA is slightly higher.

Additionally, a few schools also factor in non-academic attributes, like community service, leadership, and moral character, into the selection process. This will usually involve some sort of faculty vote or committee decision.

Regardless, you'd need to check with your specific high school to fully understand their unique method of selecting a valedictorian. Good luck with your academic endeavors!