Claymont adopts new graduation honor system
DENNISON (WJER) (July 13, 2022) – More students will be graduating from Claymont High School with honors in the coming years.
Incoming freshmen will be able to earn one of three merit-based distinctions at graduation following the board of education’s decision to adopt the Latin Honor System for that class and the ones after it. Member Cindy Host felt it was more equitable than the current system of ranking students by grade point average and honoring the top 10, which she says discourages kids from taking unweighted classes that interest them.
“I just think it’s a better opportunity for recognition of everybody who works hard, puts in the time and does the band and the arts and maybe does regular classes, but I still have a 3.5, you know, so I’m graduating with honors because I did what I was supposed to do.”
High School Principal Amy Conn recommended the change for that reason and to eliminate what she says can become an unhealthy competition between students vying for the top positions. The only no vote came from board member Aaron Cottrell who wanted to see the tradition of selecting a valedictorian and salutatorian for each graduating class continue.
“In sports… we have a first team IVC. We have a second team IVC. We have honorable mention and special mention but we also have a player of the year of IVC, so are you saying the others guys, you know we should just make everyone equal?”
Most of the other school districts in the area already use the Latin Honor System to recognize their high-achieving seniors including Indian Valley, Dover, Tusky Valley, and New Philadelphia.