In the community of Pitt County Schools, many top-tier students dedicate countless hours to striving towards academic excellence. Their commitment, determination, and unrivaled work ethic deserve to be recognized in ways that make those students feel truly honored and accomplished for their hard work. One significant form of acknowledgement comes from our educational tradition, the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian. 

The amendment to the PCS Policy 3440 addresses the selection of commencement speakers beginning with the class of 2027, meaning the valedictorian and salutatorian of PCS high schools will no longer be automatically assigned speaking roles at graduation ceremonies. In addition, the school board meetings lately confirmed that Policy 3450, which addresses class rank and titles of valedictorian or salutatorian, will no longer remain in effect. It is unknown whether class ranks are kept, but it is established that titles of valedictorian and salutatorian are now revoked. 

The removal of these honors and titles disregards the achievements of outstanding high school students and diminishes the motivation for students to pursue academic excellence. The students who consistently push their limits in pursuit of greatness deserve to have their endeavors commemorated in a manner that inspires peers and establishes them as role models within our schools. 

Anna Barrett Smith, former District 5 Representative and the main advocate for the amendment, stated that she feels “strongly that our kids are suffering a pressure that is unnecessary.” Smith said there should be more conversations about opening up additional ways for students to achieve academic honors, rather than limiting it to the top two students in a graduating class.

However, these students are not completely representative of the PCS student population. While some students have grievances against the pressure and stress synonymous with valedictorian and salutatorian, most students recognize the pressure as coming with the titles. Those who want to pursue the title typically take on the challenge, but it's not a conformity followed by the student body to suffer under pressure when knowing there are advanced students. If Smith would like to create additional recognition for students outside of academic achievements, advocate for supplemental awards and speech opportunities rather than taking away the title and opportunities of those who endured years of unparalleled commitment to earn it. Even when it's taken away, the same rigorous students compete and remain relentless. 

Without that being said, I urge Pitt County Schools to reinstate these prestigious honors. The removal of these titles will disregard the exceptional work of all dedicated students in PCS. Sign this petition to ensure all determined students receive an equal opportunity to receive the recognition they truly deserve and continue fostering a culture of academic excellence in Pitt County Schools.