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.