Editorial: Everyone is a winner

Thursday, May 31, 2007 | 7:23 a.m.

F irst there was grade inflation. Now, we wonder whether there is honor inflation as well, judging by the double-digit numbers of valedictorians at some local high schools.

At Coronado High School this year there are 19 students who are tied for having the highest grade-point average, and, if that holds through finals, all will be valedictorians.

As reported by Emily Richmond in Friday's Las Vegas Sun, there have been scores of valedictorians in every graduating class in the Clark County School District because ties are allowed. Palo Verde High School, for example, has 16 prospective valedictorians. And we haven't even gotten to the salutatorian, who traditionally has the second-highest GPA.

The district has tinkered with the formula it uses to determine GPA in an attempt to reduce the number of valedictorians, but it has had little effect.

So be it, say school officials, dismissing concerns that having a platoon of valedictorians dilutes the honor.

"I'd rather see us try to recognize as many students as we can, whether it's for academics or athletics or something else," Coronado Principal Lee Koelliker said.

Moapa Valley High School guidance counselor Stephanie Howard says tinkering with the system would create "valedictorian wars" with students taking extra classes and summer school to try to get ahead . "It's not a healthy way to promote the honor," Howard said.

It is understandable that district officials want to honor all the high-achieving students, but they should honor them in some way other than naming them all valedictorians.

The district is teaching the wrong lesson. Employers don't hire 16 people for one position because they are all exceptionally qualified. The reality is there is always someone at the head of the class, and that person, at graduation, is the valedictorian. By sending a platoon of valedictorians across the stage, the School District is diluting the honor and lessening the distinction of high academic honors.