In our High School Leadership Team meeting, an interesting article was discussed about the valedictorian and how they are selected. It was pointed out that the origins of a 'Valedictorian' had absolutely nothing to do with achievement at all; it is a Latin term that means "to say farewell.' It is the person who has been selected to make a farewell address at the commencement ceremony. If you have attended a university or college commencement, you will notice their Latin criterion-base system to identify and honor high-achieving students with Cum Laude (with honor), Magna Cum Laude (with great honor), and Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor). The article suggested than when reviewing admission applications and making decisions about scholarships, colleges and universities today are far more interested in the rigor of the curriculum students have experienced. The also review the number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken, the highest level of math studied, and the total number of courses completed. The University of Duke rejected 58% of valedictorians who applied, the University of Pennsylvania rejected 62% of valedictorians, and 91% of the valedictorians who applied at Harvard were rejected (including 1 in 4 applicants with perfect SAT scores). At Hallsville, we will be looking at increasing the number of students who are taking and meeting the rigorous criteria and high standards we want to set. We need the help of the homes and community in this effort. I can say that one of the most frustrating issues I have dealt with over the years, is when the selection of the valedictorian has turned into a bitter competition between students, and often parents getting in the mix. Why should we just have one? Shouldn't we want the largest amount of Hallsville students with the highest achievement?  If you have suggestions or comments, I welcome them - please contact me at 573-696-5512.

We hope to see you this Thursday and Friday for our spring Parent/Teacher conferences.