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Astoria High principal proposes ending traditional valedictorian; offers tiered honors to curb 'toxic perfectionism'
Summary
The principal proposed eliminating the traditional valedictorian designation and introducing tiered honors (distinguished and exceptional scholar tiers) to reduce pressures tied to perfectionism and better recognize varied student achievement; the change would require a board policy amendment and the principal plans to brief juniors immediately.
Astoria — The principal of Astoria High School told the school board on Thursday that the district should eliminate the traditional valedictorian title and replace it with tiered recognition to discourage what the principal described as “toxic perfectionism.”
Speaking at the board meeting, the principal (who identified themselves as the school’s principal but did not give a personal name on the record) said the current practice encourages students to avoid academically challenging courses to protect a grade‑point average. “My overarching theme is celebrating academic excellence while discouraging toxic perfectionism,” the principal said.
Under the…
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