An Ohio H.S ends valedictorian, salutatorian distinctions to 'reduce competitive culture'

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MASON, Ohio —
Mason High School students will no longer vie for valedictorian and salutatorian distinctions in an effort to "reduce the overall competitive culture" between students, school officials said.

Beginning with the Class of 2020, the high school will do away with both honors. School officials said it follows a yearlong study and focus group with students, staffers and families.

"It's about what it means to be happy and what it means to be successful and it's not just about the grade but it's about the whole child," Associate Principal Shanna Bumiller said.

Mason school officials made the announcement Thursday as part of an effort to improve students' mental wellness.

"I think in the long run it'll really going to change the atmosphere in the school in a positive way," Mason High School sophomore Ryan Griffith said.

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"We are moving to a recognition system eliminating valedictorian and salutatorian honors, and shifting to recognizing students who have achieved outstanding academic success through a multitude of pathways.The recognition system will reward our students for genuine academic success based on their academic accomplishments. This will help reduce the overall competitive culture at MHS to allow students to focus on exploring learning opportunities that are of interest to them," said Principal Bobby Dodd.

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