A Facebook post from the parent of the student who ranked second in their class at Caroline High School is inspiring a change in school division policy.
The Caroline County School Board voted unanimously Monday night to direct staff to formulate a policy to reinstate the valedictorian and salutatorian honors for high school graduates.
“It is a great example of public voice highlighting and bringing attention to a matter that needed increased visibility,” said JoWanda Rollins-Fells, who represents the Reedy Church District on the school board. “So, I want to thank the parents and the students because this is how change happens and things emerge to where they need to be.”
Quiana Frye made the post questioning why there was no public recognition of top students during last month’s graduation ceremony. She’s the mother of would-be salutatorian Keyon Frye, who finished No. 2 in his class behind classmate Kaylee Bishop.
Quiana Frye addressed the board during public comments Monday, arguing that there’s an imbalance in how the school division recognizes athletic and academic achievement.
“As a community, we say we pride ourselves on valuing education and academic excellence,” Quiana Frye said. “However, the lack of recognition of top academic achievers sends a contradictory message.”
Shawn Kelley, the longest-serving member of the board, recalled when the policy to not acknowledge a valedictorian and a salutatorian was first implemented. It was initially discussed in 2010. The Class of 2013 was the final one with a valedictorian, according to a presentation from division staff.
More than a decade ago, the staff and school board decided to go to a Latin-based honors system, recognizing all students who achieved a 3.75 GPA or higher.
Rollins-Fells said she doesn’t blame the board back then for the decision, but “just because something has been doesn’t mean that it has to continue to be.”
“I didn’t realize we were not doing this,” said board member Calvin Taylor, who previously served as chair. “I’m on the board. I take the blame for that. The board has no intention of not recognizing students, so the fact that [Quiana Frye] brought it to us, I thank you. I will apologize to this year’s students that we did not recognize them … We hear you and we’re going to fix this.”
Future graduates also expressed gratitude to the Frye family for raising the issue. CHS rising senior Brooke Williams, who served as her class president the last three years, addressed the board. Williams said not recognizing the valedictorian and the salutatorian has a trickle-down effect, because class officers also aren’t acknowledged during the commencement ceremony.
Instead, four students are chosen to speak with no introduction or reason given for why they’re addressing the graduates and attendees.
“I learned about the policy during my freshman year and questioned why students of high esteem never received public acknowledgement,” Williams said. “Within graduation programs and speeches, the valedictorian and salutatorian are never formally announced. Although this a minute issue to some, it’s harmful to students who go above and beyond to achieve these high honors.”
The next step for the board is to vote on the specifics of how the policy will be implemented, including validating class rankings, determining the use of weighted or unweighted GPAs, establishing eligibility requirements such as length of time enrolled in CHS, figuring out tie-breaking procedures, and deciding whether to calculate rankings after the first semester or the end of the school year.
The first reading of the policy is set for July 13 with a final vote scheduled for Aug. 10. Each board member made it clear they support reinstating the honors. Rollins-Fells suggested keeping the Latin system while also recognizing the top two students.
“I completely agree that recognition of academic achievement, it must return,” Bowling Green District board member Michael Hubbard said … “So, I’m going to be in favor of it.”
