The salutatorian is the second-highest GPA achiever in a graduating class, giving a speech before the valedictorian. They may also introduce other speakers and present awards. Other factors besides grades may be considered in choosing them.
A salutatorian is the member of a graduating class who has the highest grade point average (GPA) after the valedictorian or valedictorians. In traditional graduation ceremonies, the laureate delivers a speech before the valedictorian. In fact, the term “greeting” means a welcoming or opening statement, while “valditorio” refers to a farewell. Thus, the terms “salutorian” and “valedictorian” derive from those people’s traditional roles in a graduation ceremony. More than one person may receive each designation if the grade point average is the same.
The designation of greeter and valedictorian is more common in the United States and other Western countries. They are often chosen from the entire graduating class of a school, especially a high school. In universities and other large schools that have different disciplines, separate valedictorians and salutators might be chosen for the various disciplines, particularly when separate graduation ceremonies are held. Choosing one or more valedictorians and greeters for each ceremony allows people to fill traditional speaking roles during the ceremony.
The role of a salutatorian in a graduation ceremony
In addition to giving a speech, the role of a commencer at a graduation ceremony might include introducing other speakers, such as the valedictorian or valedictorians, school administrators, alumni who have been invited to attend, or a special guest who was invited to give a commencement address to the graduating class. A greeter might also announce or present awards or honors to graduates for excellence in academics, athletics, or other extracurricular activities. He may also be asked to offer a memorial to anyone associated with the school who died during that time, such as students or faculty members, or he may pay respects to students, alumni, faculty members, community leaders, or benefactors.
At some graduation ceremonies, the salutator might offer an invocation or blessing. This is most often the case with graduation ceremonies held by private schools affiliated with a religion or religious institution. Many public schools have moved away from the use of prayers during school services, although some schools allow non-denominational basic prayers.
More than grades may be taken into consideration
While grades are the primary determining factor in choosing both valedictorian and salutatorian, other elements may also be considered. Extracurricular activities, behaviors, and charitable and community activities may also be considered. A student who receives the honor of being the valedictorian or salutatorian tends to be seen as a role model, so the example she sets for the rest of the class and underclasses is seen as important. In some cases, students who have violated certain rules or otherwise failed to meet certain requirements or standards may not be allowed to serve as valedictorian or salutator, regardless of their GPA ranking in their graduating class.
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