Tradition shifts for valedictorian, salutatorian speeches
In Rappahannock, tradition isn’t just remembered, it seems to be expected.
So when Rappahannock County High School (RCHS) announced changes to this year’s May 29 graduation ceremony, people took notice.
For years, commencement has followed a familiar script: The valedictorian and salutatorian deliver speeches, joined by two classmates they select and the class president. It’s been seen as a format rooted in recognition, achievement and a sense of continuity.
But in late April, the school administration introduced a different approach.
Instead of the traditional lineup, two student speakers will be chosen this year based on speeches they submitted for review by teachers and staff.
Each speech must run between three to five minutes, and reflect one of five themes provided by the school’s Graduation Planning Committee, comprised of administration staff members, but no students:
- Small School, Big Impact
- The Courage to Begin Again
- More than a Moment
- From Here to Anywhere
- From Dirt Roads to Big Dreams
According to the announcement, submitted speeches will be evaluated by staff, and selected students will then “present an oral reading in the school auditorium.”
It would be a “real shame” if the valedictorian and salutatorian don’t have the opportunity to give their traditional speeches at the May 29 high school graduation ceremony, said Christine Smith, former county supervisor. “These young adults work very hard for that recognition through their school careers…it’s really a great tradition.” (Photo/Ireland Hayes)
Breaking with tradition
Not everyone welcomed the change.
Former Rappahannock Supervisor Christine Smith said that it would be a “real shame” if the valedictorian and the salutatorian no longer have an opportunity to give speeches.
The valedictorian is the student who finishes the school year with the highest grade point average, and the salutatorian is the next highest.
“These young adults work very hard for that recognition through their school careers,” she said in an interview. “And it’s my experience that with our school being so small, and our graduating classes being so tightly knit, it’s really a great tradition, and the students enjoy it and the parents enjoy it.”
Former School Board member Amy Hitt echoed that sentiment.
“You’re trying to change a tradition that’s been here for 80 years.”
“You’re trying to change a tradition that’s been here for 80 years,” said Amy Hitt, former member of the School Board. (Photo/Luke Christopher)
A parent who didn’t want to be identified because her child is in the senior class bemoaned the change. “It’s a big deal for these kids. They look at tradition and have been working hard to have this opportunity, and it was pulled out from under them just weeks before graduation.”
In response to growing concerns and to “dispel a few rumors that have begun to circulate in the community,” Rappahannock County High School Principal Mary Jane Boynton followed up the announcement with an email sent to students’ parents.
She pointed to the “remarkable academic strength” of the senior class and said the ceremony would place additional emphasis on students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
As in past years, the president of the senior class will still speak and introduce the School Board president. Boynton also clarified that the valedictorian and salutatorian will be formally recognized during the ceremony, receive awards, and will have “the opportunity to share a few words with their classmates.”
“The goal underneath…is straightforward,” said RCHS Principal Mary Jane Boynton. “A graduation that honors every student on their path, recognizes the academic strength of this class, and gives more of our seniors a meaningful moment on stage.” She said the valedictorian and salutatorian will still be recognized and “share a few words with their classmates.” (Photo/Ireland Hayes)
Boynton said the changes were made by the Graduation Planning Committee to broaden participation.
“The Class of 2026 is one of the strongest and most diverse classes I have worked with,” she said in an email. “Seniors heading to four-year colleges, two-year programs, the workforce, the trades, and military service, with one of the tightest academic races we have seen at the top of the class. The Committee’s goal was simple: every student feels celebrated on their day, regardless of which path they are taking next.”
Staying on script
Boynton met with the seniors at the end of April to walk through the updated program. At one point she was asked what would happen if a speaker went off script from the approved speech. According to several sources, Boynton said that kind of free speech would not be permitted at this kind of ceremony, and that the student would be escorted out and the college they planned to attend would be notified.
Boynton acknowledged that response. “I gave my standard response,” she noted, “the same guidance principals routinely provide to student speakers each year at school-sponsored events to prevent inappropriate antics during graduation.
“The purpose isn’t to intimidate,” she added. “It’s to set clear expectations so the ceremony stays focused on celebrating our seniors. This is a long-standing practice and not specific to this class or this year.”
The program will also include as guest speaker, RCHS alumnus Gary Settle, now a county supervisor and retired superintendent of the Virginia State Police.
“The goal underneath all of these decisions is straightforward,” said Boynton. “A graduation that honors every student on their path, recognizes the academic strength of this class, and gives more of our seniors a meaningful moment on stage.”
