We ask Hoopeston Area High School to reinstate Valedictorian and Salutatorian recognition at graduation, so students who work hard for the highest academic standing are honored individually instead of being folded into a generic cord system.
In 2023, it was decided that the Valedictorian/Salutatorian honor would be discontinued at HAHS in 2027. The reasons given included that many other schools are changing to this model, concerns about unfairness in how GPA is calculated, colleges looking at class rank less and less, and stress on students who choose not to take advanced classes. The proposed replacement (which has already in effect for previous classes) is for students to wear colored cords during graduation to show certain GPA status, while the students with the very top score will not be recognized by name.
We understand the desire to reduce pressure and keep graduation fair. But removing Valedictorian and Salutatorian also removes a meaningful tradition that gives students a clear goal and a moment of public recognition for years of dedication. Graduation is one of the few times a school can pause and say, “We see your effort, and it mattered.”
This issue affects more than one student. It affects every student who has pushed themselves through difficult classes, stayed committed, and hoped their work would be honored in a real and personal way. At the same time, it affects families and teachers who want students to be celebrated for excellence, not just categorized by GPA
We respectfully ask HAHS to keep the Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors in place so the highest-achieving students are recognized at graduation in the way they have earned.
Updates
September 9, 2026
Apparently, my very civil petition was reported on Facebook, as cyber bullying. It has been removed currently. I am appealing this. I want to thank everyone who shared this. I will get it back up!
Reached 250 supporters
September 9, 2026
Sports Recognition
September 8, 2026
This just showed up on my FB. I am 100% for it. This is not to rally to take it down. I just feel the unfairness! 🏆 Hoopeston Area Athletic Hall of Fame – Class of 2027 Nominations Open! Do you know a former athlete, coach, or contributor who has made a lasting impact on Hoopeston Area athletics? Now is the time to recognize their achievements and legacy! We are now accepting nominations for the Hoopeston Area Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2027. 📅 Nomination Deadline: October 1, 2026 The Nomination form can be found on the HS website 📍 Submit nominations to: Kim Hutzel, Principal – Hoopeston Area High School Email: [email protected] Mail or drop off nominations at: Hoopeston Area High School, 615 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL 60942
Proposal
September 6, 2026
I feel its important to include the proposal that was sent to me. This is what was voted, and passed. Dropping Class Rank and Valedictorian/Salutatorian Proposal Over the last couple of years, our BLT has discussed the possibility of dropping our current class rank and Valedictorian/Salutatorian system and going strictly to a Senior Honor Cord system used in colleges. The reason behind this is that more and more schools are going away from Val/Sal due to the unfairness of how GPA is calculated. Currently, in the GPA system, someone taking seven academic classes and then a guided study has a better chance at a higher GPA than someone taking all eight academic periods. Also, regarding impact on colleges, class rank is being looked at less and less. For example, a student who ranks #1 in their graduating class at Hoopeston in a class of 70 is different in terms of college appeal compared to someone who finishes in the top ten of a school of 1,500. According to US News & World Report, “only about half of high schools still use class rank” (https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/is-high-school-class-rank-still-important). The other thing is that to be a valedictorian, a student must take all our AP classes. This puts a lot of undue pressure on students who prefer to take other classes more geared to what they want to do outside of college. The proposal would not have us eliminate class rank and Val/Sal until the class of 2027 (this year’s current 8th graders). This allows every student currently enrolled the chance to finish out the process if they have already been pushing for that designation. (BHRA has recently gone to only honor cords as well). This proposal has the full support of our HS BLT and the HS Parent Advisory Council (two parents of this year’s valedictorians are very much in favor of this due to all the stress their kids had to go through). It also has been approved by the Curricular/Extracurricular committee. Proposed Handbook language for next year’s handbook: Starting with the graduating class of 2027, valedictorian and salutatorian will no longer be recognized, and class rank will no longer be calculated for transcripts. At that point, only the Senior Honor Cord system will be recognized. Valedictorian/Salutatorian (High School) The Valedictorian and Salutatorian positions can only be given to students whose transcripts reflect grades obtained during the first seven semesters and are then maintained through all eight semesters. Thus, any student participating in a program that issues a pass/fail grading scale cannot hold the above-mentioned positions. The students must attend Hoopeston Area High School for the last four semesters. Any student earning a 4.0 in all unweighted courses & earning a 5.0 in all weighted courses, and having taken 4 semesters of AP courses will be valedictorian. If no student fulfills this requirement, valedictorian will be awarded to the student with the highest grade point average, and salutatorian will be awarded to the student with the second highest grade point average. Grade point average includes all dual enrollment courses except for those taken in the second semester of senior year. Grade point average is calculated based on grade percent value, not grade letter value, and is rounded to the fourth decimal place.
Reached 100 supporters
September 3, 2026
70 Comments
I think it is shame to take an honor of valedictorian away when it has been around for years. I also know for a fact that not every child feels pressure from their parents that these students love to learn and excel. I feel that is why the valedictorian should be reinstated to these students who have diligently to excel in academics. Is it not like a sporting event that gets award for their hard work. To me it is the same concept. They deserve this honor.
Athletes are called out individually for their accomplishments. It seems our high achievers should be recognized the same. We should send these students into the world with the kudos they deserve.
Having a daughter named valedictorian at Hoopeston Area was a proud milestone for her father and I, that reflects years of hard work, discipline, and dedication. These students deserve to be recognized!
When a school removes the valedictorian position, it doesn’t just change a tradition, it impacts real students who have dedicated themselves to excellence. The title in addition to their hard work opens up many opportunities as a young adult stepping out into the world. My last child is only 12 and may have the honor of valedictorian one day.
I think it is important to reward hard work. I know my daughter worked harder at certain things when there was a "competition".
It’s only fair!
Kids work hard for these things! Don't take away what they look forward to!
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We ask Hoopeston Area High School to reinstate Valedictorian and Salutatorian recognition at graduation, so students who work hard for the highest academic standing are honored individually instead of being folded into a generic cord system.
In 2023, it was decided that the Valedictorian/Salutatorian honor would be discontinued at HAHS in 2027. The reasons given included that many other schools are changing to this model, concerns about unfairness in how GPA is calculated, colleges looking at class rank less and less, and stress on students who choose not to take advanced classes. The proposed replacement (which has already in effect for previous classes) is for students to wear colored cords during graduation to show certain GPA status, while the students with the very top score will not be recognized by name.
We understand the desire to reduce pressure and keep graduation fair. But removing Valedictorian and Salutatorian also removes a meaningful tradition that gives students a clear goal and a moment of public recognition for years of dedication. Graduation is one of the few times a school can pause and say, “We see your effort, and it mattered.”
This issue affects more than one student. It affects every student who has pushed themselves through difficult classes, stayed committed, and hoped their work would be honored in a real and personal way. At the same time, it affects families and teachers who want students to be celebrated for excellence, not just categorized by GPA
We respectfully ask HAHS to keep the Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors in place so the highest-achieving students are recognized at graduation in the way they have earned.
Updates
September 9, 2026
Apparently, my very civil petition was reported on Facebook, as cyber bullying. It has been removed currently. I am appealing this. I want to thank everyone who shared this. I will get it back up!
Reached 250 supporters
September 9, 2026
Sports Recognition
September 8, 2026
This just showed up on my FB. I am 100% for it. This is not to rally to take it down. I just feel the unfairness! 🏆 Hoopeston Area Athletic Hall of Fame – Class of 2027 Nominations Open! Do you know a former athlete, coach, or contributor who has made a lasting impact on Hoopeston Area athletics? Now is the time to recognize their achievements and legacy! We are now accepting nominations for the Hoopeston Area Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2027. 📅 Nomination Deadline: October 1, 2026 The Nomination form can be found on the HS website 📍 Submit nominations to: Kim Hutzel, Principal – Hoopeston Area High School Email: [email protected] Mail or drop off nominations at: Hoopeston Area High School, 615 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL 60942
Proposal
September 6, 2026
I feel its important to include the proposal that was sent to me. This is what was voted, and passed. Dropping Class Rank and Valedictorian/Salutatorian Proposal Over the last couple of years, our BLT has discussed the possibility of dropping our current class rank and Valedictorian/Salutatorian system and going strictly to a Senior Honor Cord system used in colleges. The reason behind this is that more and more schools are going away from Val/Sal due to the unfairness of how GPA is calculated. Currently, in the GPA system, someone taking seven academic classes and then a guided study has a better chance at a higher GPA than someone taking all eight academic periods. Also, regarding impact on colleges, class rank is being looked at less and less. For example, a student who ranks #1 in their graduating class at Hoopeston in a class of 70 is different in terms of college appeal compared to someone who finishes in the top ten of a school of 1,500. According to US News & World Report, “only about half of high schools still use class rank” (https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/is-high-school-class-rank-still-important). The other thing is that to be a valedictorian, a student must take all our AP classes. This puts a lot of undue pressure on students who prefer to take other classes more geared to what they want to do outside of college. The proposal would not have us eliminate class rank and Val/Sal until the class of 2027 (this year’s current 8th graders). This allows every student currently enrolled the chance to finish out the process if they have already been pushing for that designation. (BHRA has recently gone to only honor cords as well). This proposal has the full support of our HS BLT and the HS Parent Advisory Council (two parents of this year’s valedictorians are very much in favor of this due to all the stress their kids had to go through). It also has been approved by the Curricular/Extracurricular committee. Proposed Handbook language for next year’s handbook: Starting with the graduating class of 2027, valedictorian and salutatorian will no longer be recognized, and class rank will no longer be calculated for transcripts. At that point, only the Senior Honor Cord system will be recognized. Valedictorian/Salutatorian (High School) The Valedictorian and Salutatorian positions can only be given to students whose transcripts reflect grades obtained during the first seven semesters and are then maintained through all eight semesters. Thus, any student participating in a program that issues a pass/fail grading scale cannot hold the above-mentioned positions. The students must attend Hoopeston Area High School for the last four semesters. Any student earning a 4.0 in all unweighted courses & earning a 5.0 in all weighted courses, and having taken 4 semesters of AP courses will be valedictorian. If no student fulfills this requirement, valedictorian will be awarded to the student with the highest grade point average, and salutatorian will be awarded to the student with the second highest grade point average. Grade point average includes all dual enrollment courses except for those taken in the second semester of senior year. Grade point average is calculated based on grade percent value, not grade letter value, and is rounded to the fourth decimal place.
Reached 100 supporters
September 3, 2026
70 Comments
I was the Class of 2020 Salutatorian and it was one of the proudest moments of my high school career. Working towards earning one of the highest titles in my class gave me a goal to work for over those four years. I don’t believe it should have ever been taken away, but reinstating it gives students something to work for academically. It’s an honor they will always remember.
I think it is shame to take an honor of valedictorian away when it has been around for years. I also know for a fact that not every child feels pressure from their parents that these students love to learn and excel. I feel that is why the valedictorian should be reinstated to these students who have diligently to excel in academics. Is it not like a sporting event that gets award for their hard work. To me it is the same concept. They deserve this honor.
Athletes are called out individually for their accomplishments. It seems our high achievers should be recognized the same. We should send these students into the world with the kudos they deserve.
Having a daughter named valedictorian at Hoopeston Area was a proud milestone for her father and I, that reflects years of hard work, discipline, and dedication. These students deserve to be recognized!
When a school removes the valedictorian position, it doesn’t just change a tradition, it impacts real students who have dedicated themselves to excellence. The title in addition to their hard work opens up many opportunities as a young adult stepping out into the world. My last child is only 12 and may have the honor of valedictorian one day.
I think it is important to reward hard work. I know my daughter worked harder at certain things when there was a "competition".
It’s only fair!
Kids work hard for these things! Don't take away what they look forward to!
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I was the Class of 2020 Salutatorian and it was one of the proudest moments of my high school career. Working towards earning one of the highest titles in my class gave me a goal to work for over those four years. I don’t believe it should have ever been taken away, but reinstating it gives students something to work for academically. It’s an honor they will always remember.