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Students and parents urge Connellsville Area SD to reinstate class rank and valedictorian honors
Summary
Students and parents told the Connellsville Area School District board that removing class rank and valedictorian/salutatorian honors harms college and scholarship prospects and urged the board to reconsider the decision at a policy meeting.
Dozens of students and parents told the Connellsville Area School District board during public comment that the district should reinstate class rank and preserve valedictorian and salutatorian honors.
Student Ben Metzger told the board it was important to "recognize those that push harder" and said removing class rank removes motivation and a form of recognition for high-achieving students. Natalie Magnus, another student, said, "Let us have our trophies. Let us be recognized." Parent Jody Magnus asked the board to "please reinstate Class Rank System this year," arguing delays harm current students' college applications and scholarship opportunities.
Other speakers, including Emma Hall and Robin Turlington, said the district should consider how removal affects scholarship eligibility and vocational partners (CACTC). Turlington noted that some scholarships are specifically designated for valedictorians and salutatorians and asked how students would qualify if the titles are removed.
Board members did not take an immediate vote on the issue during this meeting. The board previously scheduled a policy meeting for August 15, 2025, at 9 a.m. to continue policy items; speakers asked the board to place class rank back on an agenda for formal consideration.
The public-comment period also included a band-uniform concern and other routine items; no formal action on class-rank policy was recorded in the transcript at this meeting.
