Valedictorian Essays

The title for valedictorian is heavily competition-based and a highly controversial topic in today’s modern society. In fact, many people argue for the continuation of the valedictorian title; however, others also contest for the cancellation of the title. Published by The New Yorker, in 2005, Margaret Talbot argues her stand on the debate of keeping the title for valedictorian in schools. Using research and evidence gained by her examination of the Sarasota High School in Florida, she effectively

Upon hearing the word “valedictorian,” many visualise an incredibly intelligent, studious young person who must be better than the rest, which to some can seem unfair--rewarding one student in front of so many hardworking others-- it’s a bit discouraging. On the other hand, one thing a valedictorian can do is write an impressive essay. In Margaret Talbot’s article “Best in Class,” she illustrates her idea that the idealistic of valedictorian isn’t necessarily awful, but can be improved upon in order

wasn’t complaining though. It was winter break after all. I had just completed my last final with ease and I was confident that I would continue my streak of straight A’s with only one semester remaining until graduation. That esteemed title “valedictorian,” despite being undermined by the fact that anybody with a 4.0 GPA whether or not they took advanced placement classes, was within my grasp and I was determined to fight my way to success. For now, however, the weather was cold, my backpack was

something I usually don’t do. I read an article about valedictorians for a while. The time I spent on the article didn’t seem like it was worth it until I got thinking about it. Everyone is given the chance to be a valedictorian, but only some students make it at the end of their senior year. The number of valedictorians is relatively low at numerous high schools, however South Medford High stands out because of is large number of valedictorians, 21. From school principals to the students that attend

Students in schools are constantly competing for the title of valedictorian. Students compete among high school academics to be the best in their class. Although, recently many people have been wondering if valedictorians should be based just on academics or more like clubs and sports. When students are named valedictorian it means that they have reached the highest level of their high school academics as well as getting the best GPA in their class. Valedictory is mainly based on GPA which is determined

Being the valedictorian is a great honor among students. The students that work the hardest get rewarded. The top student(s) of the class receive the honor of valedictorian. The other students, no matter how close, do not get this. This causes a huge issue amongst these students. They work as hard, but something simple can stop them from achieving this award. The pressure from wanting to be valedictorian is the greatest cost. Some students break down and cannot handle the stress. Students have been

how students have been focused on getting the title of “Valedictorian” when really it is just causing several issues Talbot uses different rhetorical devices to have a personal connection with her readers and make her argument more credible. The author explains the difficulties in getting valedictorian and the problems that it has with some students who believe they deserve the title. Talbot explains how students who received valedictorian are still academically skilled in college; however, nobody

greatest gift you can give yourself, right here, right now, in this single, solitary, monumental moment in your life- is to decide, without apology, to commit to the journey, and not to the outcome.” When I was going through some quotes for my valedictorian speech, I found this quote by Joyce DiDonato, and I decided that there couldn’t have been anything better than this for the opening statement of my speech tonight. Good Evening Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Samartzis, teachers, parents, grandparents, friends

words that come out of every single high school valedictorian since the beginnings of its creation. In the eyes of many students, the valedictorian is the most intelligent and hard working student in their school. What seems like a mildly important position has stirred some controversy among the students who aim to achieve that position. Margaret Talbot in Best In Class uses anecdotes and appeals to logos in order to show that the position of valedictorian should move to a more friendlier position.

In her essay Best of Class, Talbot tries to convince her audience that though the valedictorian system is flawed, it should be kept to motivate and reward student for their academic achievement. Talbot”s audience can be thought to be liberal adults of any education. This can be deduced due to both diction and various explanation of high school functions. As an article published in the widespread liberal New Yorker, the article reaches a number of people, mainly adults, though the word choice is

Margaret Talbot’s “Best in Class” is an enticing and informational article about the argument on whether or not Valedictorians are a good thing. Having one valedictorian has been a tradition in schools for many, many years; however, as times change, students are becoming more invested and determined in school, so many kids are missing being valedictorian by 0.001%. Therefore, Talbot brings to light both sides of the story in this extraordinary article. Although Margaret seems to not choose a side

in Class, Margaret Talbot explains how the position of valedictorian should be kept in the school system, though the gravity around holding the position as well as how it is chosen should be changed. She uses logos to appeal to her massively student-based audience, as well as selective presentation to keep focus on her argument, rather than anything else. In her appeal to logos, Talbot mentions how GPAs play a massive part of how a valedictorian is and was chosen. In explaining how important a GPA

class and becoming valedictorian. They will do anything to reach the top, sometimes even cheating to surpass fellow students. Although Margaret Talbot acknowledges the other arguments that becoming a valedictorian is great and should not be gotten rid of in her article “Best in Class”, she conveys the message that competition for valedictorian is unnecessary through her use of diction and testimonies. Talbot uses strong diction to show the reader that the competition for valedictorian

and applying knowledge to the real world-that is what education is. From education came the valedictorian, a student who has received an academic title of success, and was meant to be a reward for students who deserved it. Even though it may be somewhat competitive, it was never meant to do any harm. In “Best in Class” Margaret Talbot conveys how she wants to keep the tradition of a single valedictorian but wishes to reduce how obsessive people get over it through her appeals to logos and her selective

In many high schools across the nation, valedictorians are appointed to represent the senior class at graduation. Many people see the valedictorian as the best student in the entire class or maybe just the most popular. Either way, stakes are high when appointing a single student to this position, and much controversy has been discovered as to what qualifies a student to become the one. Academics are generally the aspect that principals consider most when deciding. In “Best in Class,” author Margaret

To be presented as valedictorian, to have the opportunity to speak at graduation, to walk across the stage knowing you’ve worked extremely hard over the past 4 years - that is an honor. The title valedictorian began as an innocent award to reward the top student in each class; however, students have turned it into an enormous competition. These competitions have resulted in lawsuits, sour attitudes, and negativity towards one another. In “Best In Class,” Margaret Talbot clearly displays her message

most have endured this unforgiving time in life. The main point Talbot debates is the competition for valedictorian. The author shows that being valedictorian is a respectable honor; however, in recent years it has been corrupted and should be modified by implementing passionate pathos and understanding persona. Talbot is able to use great pathos to advance her message regarding valedictorian. Most of her pathos can be found in the students’ quotes. Stephanie Klotz, a former student, said that

detrimental for the reputation of the country. According to document six, a letter from an African American valedictorian, he is discouraged, but not broken. He is overwhelmed by the fact that he is honored with the title of valedictorian. This goes to show that even if African Americans weren’t treated fairly then, not only did this boy get an education, but was esteemed with the award of valedictorian. Even

simple task easier to complete, so that more time can be spent on complicated ones. The new technology that is being created is helping to make my cohort become more efficient workers. A non normative event that has occurred in my life was being valedictorian of my class in high school. I was selected to be

apply for the Academy, I had a short window of time to do so. After discussing it with my counselor I learned that my classes I took with the community college would factor into my GPA at the high school level. At the time, I dreamed of being valedictorian and was afraid that if I failed a course in community college, it would ruin my chances; however, if I did well in all of my classes, it would