Wilson schools to abandon valedictorians

The school board voted Tuesday to change its policy on levels of diploma recognition for graduates, beginning with the Class of 2020.

Although students will continue to have a class rank, it won't be publicized, and no valedictorian and salutatorian will be recognized at graduation.

Instead of competing against each other for the top ranks, district officials said, they will strive to attain Honors Diploma, High Honors Diploma, Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude recognition at graduation.

The Wake County Board of Education adopted a similar change last spring. Wake County school administrators said the change allows more top students to be recognized every year, noting very small percentages can separate students at the top of a graduating class.