valedictorian

noun

Etymology: Formed 1759, from valedictory (“of a speech made when leaving”) + -an.

1. The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.

   “Our oldest son was valedictorian of his high school class and went to a top university. But right about this time two years ago, our second son told us he wasn’t interested in college.”

   “At first, it seemed a joyous occasion. There was an audible gasp in the room, then boisterous cheering and applause when the announcement was made: Ikeria Washington and Layla Temple had been named 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian for West Point High School.”

2. The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.

   “A social media firestorm erupted last week after two Texas high school valedictorians revealed that they were undocumented immigrants heading to well-respected U.S. colleges with financial aid.”