Graduation

Valedictorian vs Salutatorian: What's the Difference and How Are They Chosen?

• Digital Record Board Team
• Academic recognition , Student achievement , Graduation

Every spring, high schools across America celebrate their highest academic achievers by recognizing valedictorians and salutatorians during graduation ceremonies. These honored students deliver speeches, receive special acknowledgment, and represent years of academic dedication. Yet despite their prominence in graduation traditions, confusion persists about exactly what distinguishes a valedictorian from a salutatorian, how schools determine these honors, and why these designations matter beyond the graduation stage.