Parkland's decision to eliminate class rank in 2009 has put an end to naming the school's No. 1 student.
Hundreds of Parkland High School students are slated to march across a Stabler Arena stage and receive their diplomas during Wednesday's graduation, but none of them will be named class valedictorian or salutatorian.
Following the recommendation of an ad hoc committee, Parkland School District officials in 2009 decided to do away with publicly reporting class rank, Superintendent Richard Sniscak said.
"This isn't something new," the superintendent said, explaining that the change was made this year so kids who'd already begun high school in 2009 wouldn't be affected by it. Students in the Class of 2013 were rising ninth-graders then.
At a school known for excellence in academics, athletics and arts, the move means more students are recognized for their achievements, not just those who rank first and second, Sniscak said. Last week, Parkland celebrated 56 graduating seniors who've earned college scholarships totaling more than $3.8 million, including seven with full rides.
"I think it's a better representation of our graduating class. It speaks to the strength of our graduating class," he said.
Parkland, in South Whitehall Township, isn't the region's only school without a valedictorian or salutatorian. Emmaus High School doesn't have them either and it's been that way for more than two decades.
The graduate with the best senior-year grades receives Moravian Academy's John Amos Comenius Award, but the Bethlehem Township, Pa., school doesn't name a valedictorian or salutatorian. It's the same at Blair Academy in Blairstown Township, which has a class speaker.
Assistant Superintendent Denise Torma said the East Penn School District stopped naming valedictorians and salutatorians in 1990 at the suggestion of Emmaus High's then principal, who cited "unhealthy competition amongst students" for the switch. A percentage-based system rather than the typical points-based system is used to calculate students' grades, she said.
Torma said the system hasn't hampered students' ability to gain admission to top-notch universities.
Sniscak agreed, saying, "This year, we have kids going to the ivys. We have kids going to Stanford. The elimination of reporting class rank is not deterring students' acceptance into college."
If anything, he's hopeful the change will mean admissions officers spend more time reviewing student's coursework, extracurricular activities and athletic accomplishments instead of getting caught up on class rank.
"We think that because of the courses we're able to offer here, the power of our transcripts is much stronger without reporting class rank."
Contact Lehigh County suburbs reporter Precious Petty at 484-894-3854 or ppetty@express-times.com.