A Long Island high school has 21 valedictorians, but they cannot all speak at graduation.
Jericho High School is celebrating a record-breaking 21 top students, but the sheer number means they cannot all give speeches at the June 28 ceremony.
It is the dream of every student to reach the top of their class. For 21 seniors at Jericho High School, that dream became a reality, but it created a logistical puzzle for their school.
What Happened
Jericho High School in Nassau County, New York, has named 21 students as valedictorians for the class of 2026. Each of these students maintained an A+ average in every single class for all four years of high school.
Because there are so many top students, the school cannot fit 21 individual speeches into the graduation program. Instead, the school plans to film a video featuring the group to honor their hard work.
Co-Principal Brian Cummings explained that the school uses a letter-grade system. A 97 or higher earns an A+, and the school views the difference between a 99.8 and a 99.83 as too small to matter.
What the money/evidence shows
- 21 students earned the title of valedictorian.
- Students achieved straight A+ grades for four years.
- The school broke its previous record of 15 valedictorians.
- Jericho High School is ranked 9th best in New York.
- The school is ranked 108th nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
The Bigger Question
Is the race for the perfect grade point average actually helping students learn, or is it just creating a system where perfection is the only way to stand out? When 21 students reach the same "perfect" peak, the title of valedictorian loses its traditional meaning as a singular honor.
We should ask if schools are setting students up for burnout by encouraging this level of competition. Are we measuring true intelligence, or just the ability to follow a grading rubric perfectly?
The Other Side
School officials argue that the letter-grade system is a fair way to recognize consistent excellence across a rigorous schedule of AP classes and extracurriculars. This argument seems strong because it focuses on rewarding sustained effort rather than splitting hairs over tiny decimal points in a grade book.
What Happens Now
These students will wear special sashes to mark their achievement during the ceremony. The school is looking for other ways to celebrate their success beyond the stage.
For other schools, this may spark a debate about whether to keep the valedictorian title at all. Many districts have already moved toward a Latin honors system to avoid this exact problem.
What We Still Don't Know
- Will the school change its grading policy for future classes to avoid this issue?
- How do the students feel about missing the chance to give a live speech?
- Will other schools in the region follow suit and move away from naming a single valedictorian?
Source Note: All facts are based on reports from Jericho High School officials; no charges are involved as this is a school policy matter.