Graduation honors explained

The difference between valedictorians, salutatorians
Being named a valedictorian or salutatorian is a significant achievement. Some students may not fully understand what these titles represent. Every school has its own qualifications, but in general, valedictorians and salutatorians are those individuals who have reached the very highest levels of academic success.
Valedictorian
PrepScholar, a standardized testing preparation company, indicates that valedictorians are students who graduates with the highest cumulative grade point average of their class — the average of every year’s final grades.
Grades from advanced placement classes are weighted to account for their rigor and extend extra points toward the GPA. Some schools do not immediately award the title to the highest-ranking student. They may ask students to apply for review and then consider various factors, including grades, level of academic program, essay submission, and even contribution to school and community life.
Salutatorian
Certain schools may have one salutatorian, while others may have two or more. The college guidance resource Transizion says that salutatorians are usually ranked second in the graduating class. Salutatorians may deliver the salutation, otherwise known as the opening speech of the graduation ceremony. Valedictorians usually speak later in the program.
High-ranking terms
In addition to valedictorian and salutatorian, students also may become familiar with other terminology, including class rank and “cum laude” recognitions.
Class rank refers to a student’s GPA in relation to other students in the same grade. Class rank may be an actual number, such as ranked 30 out of 900 students, or a percentage like the top 5% of the graduating class.
Cum laude is a Latin phrase that means “with praise/honor.” Educa-tional institutions use one of three phrases to signify academic degrees that were awarded with honor. The phrases usually are utilized by colleges and universities.
Schools have different criteria that must be met for these honors. Summa cum laude is the highest level of distinction, magna cum laude is next and that is followed by cum laude.
It is a great honor to be named valedictorian or salutatorian, and it is an honor worth celebrating at graduation and beyond.
Diploma display ideas
Graduation day is one of the proudest moments in students’ academic careers. Diplomas are symbolic of hours spent honing skills and working on assignments and, ultimately, success in the classroom. High school diplomas represent an opportunity to go on to higher learning or a trade, while college degrees indicate young people are ready to begin their professional lives.
Many graduates are excited about the prospect of receiving their diplomas. Once in hand, the document can be put on display. The following are some unique ways to showcase diplomas at home or at work.
Framing
One of the classic ways to display a diploma is in a frame. Many businesses offer customized framing where the frame material and the matting can be chosen. Some grads may want to include a photograph of the school or a picture of the graduate above the diploma. Graduates also may want to select a frame and mat that coordinates with school colors.
Create a shadow box
Consider displaying the diploma with other mementos from school. A shadow box is a large, deep display frame that can house items that are thicker than photographs or papers.
Items such as a graduation tassel, medal or other award, a varsity jacket patch, or a program from a school performance or awards ceremony can be placed in the shadow box.
Create a photo wall
Display the diploma among other framed photos from school activities. This can elicit a trip down memory lane every time the wall is viewed. Some families may want to display their diplomas together, especially if multiple family members attended the same school.
Make a work of art
Various online art vendors can turn the diploma into different works of art. For example, engravers can laser engrave the diploma onto a wooden plaque. Then the diploma can be displayed in one location and the wood plaque in another.
Place it under glass
Display the diploma beneath the glass top of a coffee table. When entertaining guests, the diploma can make for a unique conversation piece.
A school diploma is worthy of recognition. There are various creative ways to display these documents that reflect the hard work and success of their recipients.