We're all Number 1! Is 21 Valedictorians too many?

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by lovespink88

That is ridiculous. I wonder why the adults in charge would allow that

I realize that by now I am probably closer in age to said adults, but this argument always bothers me. When everyone on my t-ball team got trophies, it's not like we asked or expected them for them!?! I didn't know what a damn trophy was until it was handed to me. If you're (hypothetical you, not you adpiucf) blaming the parents, fine, but I have definitely read arguments where the blame gets placed on the kids. When you're 5, it's not like you have control of that...

And of course this goes for any accolades, not just literally trophies, lol

I've always felt that it was just probably a few parents who threatened to sue the school, little league, dance team, and any thing else their kid was into if their kid was not the winner.

I think the coaches, advisors and sponsors of these groups just gave in to prevent being sued.

So, I don't think all parents are "guilty" of ensuring their precious snowflake is always the winner.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

I've always felt that it was just probably a few parents who threatened to sue the school, little league, dance team, and any thing else their kid was into if their kid was not the winner.

I think the coaches, advisors and sponsors of these groups just gave in to prevent being sued.

I don't think lawyers and the threat of (frivolous) lawsuits are to be blamed for this one. It comes from a well-intentioned but completely mistaken belief that not being a "winner" damages healthy self-esteem.

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

So, I don't think all parents are "guilty" of ensuring their precious snowflake is always the winner.

Oh totally agree!

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I don't think lawyers and the threat of (frivolous) lawsuits are to be blamed for this one. It comes from a well-intentioned but completely mistaken belief that not being a "winner" damages healthy self-esteem.

With this one too!

[pshsx1]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

I had just over 900 students in my senior class, and we still only had one valedictorian.

I graduated with 1300 on a 5.0 scale and we still only one valedictorian.

I don't understand why more than one person needs that title. Understand, you may have graduated 5th in your class, and that's damn good accomplishment, but you weren't #1. You're not any less special, talented, smart, or anything else just because you didn't get a speech and a fancy title.

Screw this everyone wins bull.

[honeychile]

Frankly, I think this whole "everybody is a winner" philosophy robs people of the chance to learn how to win graciously. IMHO, it's the better lesson to learn in life.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Frankly, I think this whole "everybody is a winner" philosophy robs people of the chance to learn how to win graciously. IMHO, it's the better lesson to learn in life.

It robs people of the chance to win, period.

When everyone is the best, then no one is. Imagine if 4 teams won the Superbowl each year.. or if 3 men won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.. or if 10 contestants were crowned "The new American Idol"... Winning would ultimately lose it's value.

I'd rather be ranked #25 in my graduating class than have to share the title of "the best" with potentially dozens of other people.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by pshsx1

I graduated with 1300 on a 5.0 scale and we still only one valedictorian.

I don't understand why more than one person needs that title. Understand, you may have graduated 5th in your class, and that's damn good accomplishment, but you weren't #1. You're not any less special, talented, smart, or anything else just because you didn't get a speech and a fancy title.

Screw this everyone wins bull.

Yep.

I wonder how that would work in Texas, with the "valedictorian scholarships" that are (or were?) given out.

[pshsx1]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Yep.

I wonder how that would work in Texas, with the "valedictorian scholarships" that are (or were?) given out.

Those schools would be poor af with 300 valedictorians. lol