The valedictorian title has traditionally been awarded to the graduating student with the highest GPA.
(Columbus, Oh.) -- Lawmakers say they are introducing legislation that would require Ohio high schools to name both a valedictorian and a salutatorian in their graduating classes.
Supporters of the bill say it was written in response to Mason High School outside Cincinnati and their decision to stop bestowing the honors on students.
“This will help reduce the overall competitive culture at MHS to allow students to focus on exploring learning opportunities that are of interest of them,” the school said in a statement.
The new bill's sponsors say recognizing a valedictorian and salutatorian promotes positive academic competition and those top achievers should be rewarded.
“These students work hard to become the top academically achieving students in their class and deserve recognition. Competition fosters excellence and we should be encouraging that. It’s decisions like not naming a valedictorian that creates the ‘everyone gets a trophy,’ lazy culture that is often discussed,” said State Rep. Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg), who filed the bill.
Opponents of the bill say it would cause a ranking system for students which could jeopardize scholarship opportunities in competitive districts that are limited to those in the top 10 percent of their class.
Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce to Host 2026 Post-Legislative Luncheon
Speed Limit to be Reduced on U.S. 50 in Aurora
INDOT Implements New Roadway Worker Safety Initiative
Franklin Co. Commissioners Place Year-Long Moratorium on Data Centers
Dearborn Co. Plan Commission Recommends 12-Month Moratorium on Solar Farms
Hoosier Officials Aim to Protect Highways from Illegal Immigrants with CDLs
