Board Approved: October 9, 2025
FILE: IGG
Adopted: Nov. 23, 2004
Revised: Jan. 25, 2007
Revised: July 30, 2020
Revised: October, 9, 2025
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Policy
I. Purpose
This policy establishes consistent criteria for determining the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of each graduating class, recognizing students who have achieved the highest level of academic excellence.
II. Diploma Endorsements
The Marengo County School District offers four additional endorsements to the Alabama High School Diploma, recognizing academic and career-focused accomplishments.
Option:
Alabama High School Diploma (AHSD)
Requirements
AHSD with Advanced Academic Endorsement
Two (2) Foreign Languages in same language
At least 2 AP or Dual Enrollment Core courses
Science: Includes at least 1 credit in Chemistry or Physics (a higher requirement than the state minimum) - exclude 2025-2026 graduates
Mathematics: At least 1 credit in Algebra II with Statistics
GPA ≥ 3.0
Total Credits: At least 26.0 credits (MCS Schools adds 2 extra credits beyond the Alabama minimum)
AHSD with Advanced CTE Endorsement
AHSD with CTE Endorsement
3 sequenced CTE Credits + Algebra II w Stats, 24 total credits
GPA ≥ 3.0
3 sequenced CTE Credits, 24 total credits
GPA ≥ 3.0
Alabama Workforce Endorsement
Mathematics: 2 Credits (e.g., Algebra I and Geometry)
Science: 2 Credits (e.g., Biology and Physical Science)
3 CTE Sequence, 6 Electives
1 Physical Education, 1 Carer Preparedness, .5 Health, .5 Fine Arts
24 total credits
3
III. Eligibility for Valedictorian and Salutatorian
1. Diploma Requirement - Candidates must earn the highest-level academic diploma or endorsement offered by the district.
2. Minimum Enrollment - Must be enrolled at the graduating school for four (4) consecutive semesters prior to graduation (excluding summer).
3. Transfer Grades- Grades from other accredited schools will be converted to the district numeric scale if not provided in numeric form:
A+ = 99
B+ = 89
C+ = 79
D+ = 69
F = 59
A = 95
B = 85
C = 75
D = 65
A- = 90
B- = 80
C- = 70
D- = 60
4. Decision Authority - The principal, in consultation with the Superintendent, will resolve eligibility or calculation issues.
IV. Class Rank and GPA Calculation
1. Courses Included - All attempted high school credit courses (grades 9-12) that count toward graduation are included. This covers the core areas of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as well as Foreign Language and other credit-bearing courses required for graduation.
2. Calculation Method - Weighted numeric GPA is calculated to the fifth decimal place without rounding.
3. Weighting System:
Regular Courses
Advanced Level Courses, AP Course w/o Exam
(Quality Points = .5)
AP/Dual Enrollment CORE Courses
(Quality Points = 1)
A=4.0
A=4.5
A=5.0
B=3.0
B=3.5
B=4.0
C=2.0
C=2.5
C=3.0
D=1.0
D=1.0
D=1.0
F =0.0
F =0.0
F =0.0
4. Transfer Credit Weighting - Weight assigned by the issuing accredited school will be honored.
5. Early Graduates - Ranked with their original four-year cohort
6. Final Rank Determination - At the end of the semester closest to May graduation.
V. Selection Process
● Highest weighted GPA = Valedictorian
● Second highest weighted GPA = Salutatorian
● Exact ties (to five decimal places) will result in co-honors.
VI. Verification
All GPA and rank calculations will be reviewed by the principal and guidance counselor, with final approval by the Superintendent.
