Menu
Gosnell valedictorians an elite group
EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is in response to Andy Weld's May 21 column. You can read that column here.
To the editor:
I am writing this letter in response to Andy Weld's opinion article entitled "Valedictorian label should mark the elite."
First, I believe that the students, faculty and parents of all area schools work hard and want the best for the students in their districts. With that being said, it is not my business to judge or have any deciding power in how another district determines the valedictorian requirements. That is up to members of the school boards, faculty or other constituents living in that district.
I live in the Gosnell School District where both of my children were valedictorians of their class. My youngest graduated in 2014 and was one of the co-valedictorians this year. I am proud as his mother, but with Andy Weld's article I believe many of the facts were left out. Two of the valedictorians this year at Gosnell received the highest honors scholarships that Arkansas State University awards. This is a competitive scholarship. A minimal of a 30 on the ACT, recommendation letters and a resume are some of the requirements of this scholarship. Arkansas State University usually only gives this to one student at a school. The two students receiving this exceptional honor were ranked third and tied for the sixth and seventh based on GPA ranking in the valedictorians at Gosnell. This is one of the many accomplishments by this rare, but very elite graduating class.
Several of the seven valedictorians scored a 30 or higher on their ACT, played sports, received honors for playing those sports, volunteered in their community and churches, took college classes, donated blood and participated in many leadership groups in the school and community.
Next, I am sure the other students who had a 4.0 at the other schools have similar accomplishments. I would NEVER try to take anything away from them or cheapen their honor of obtaining a 4.0 or greater. Schools have different policies, but different doesn't mean that one way is more supreme than the other. This group of seniors at Gosnell this year is an elite group of students that have been talked about since kindergarten. The No. 3 ranking valedictorian was awarded scholarships valuing $229,400. The No. 6 ranking valedictorian was awarded scholarships valuing $162,600. In total, this year's valedictorians at Gosnell High School were awarded almost $743,000.
I believe that allows them to be in an elite group of students. They knew the qualifications to become a valedictorian, and they met or exceeded those expectations.
As a community, we should praise our students every chance we get. Well done all graduates of 2014 from the area schools! Congratulations on a job well done!