DHS could have nine valedictorians at May commencement

The Du Quoin High School may have to come up with a seating chart when this year's valedictorians take the stage at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds on March 29.

"Academically, this is one of the best classes we have had in years," explained Eric Kirkpatrick of the Du Quoin Guidance Department.

"Right now, we have nine students with perfect 4.0 grade point averages over their four years," he said. "I don't look for that to change in the last semester," he said.

"We probably have 15 students with straight A's (but less than 4.0). A fourth of this class scored higher than 24 on their ACT test and five scored above 30," he said.

Furthermore, all of these valedictory candidates have to have been enrolled in the college-bound honors program that includes four years of math, an extra year of science, two years of a foreign language and some vocational and cultural classes like art and music.

The valedictorian distinguishes herself or himself from the rest by having the highest grade point average (GPA) in the class by the end of the senior year. Typically, there are only one or two valedictorians and having three or four is extremely rare.

But, the situation also begs the question: Should a fourth year calculus class or advanced chemistry be worth more than a music class or an art class. That is called "weighting" the classes.

The short answer appears to be "yes" and that will be addressed beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. A student's three-year record will be grandfathered in, but starting next year five classes will be worth more.

The weighted classes will be calculus, chemistry II, English IV, practical law (a new class) and physics.

Kirkpatrick said he will be able to identify the valedictorians the week before the expected May 24 commencement.

At the writing, it has not been determined how the nine will collectively be recognized. Traditionally, the honoree addresses the class and parents with a valedictory address

Surely, the standing ovation for these nine outstanding success stories will resonate across the entire fairgrounds.