Sep 22, 2025 2 min read

In November 2023 the school board for Connellsville Area School District eliminated the traditional recognition of academic excellence when they voted 7-2 to no longer recognize a valedictorian, salutatorian, or top 10 students at graduation.

Parents and students were only notified of this impending change after the board made an addition to the November 2023 voting meeting, and the motion passed. The notification was only made through a newspaper article. Note that there was no discussion in the work session about this issue. Additions to the voting meeting often occur if the board anticipates public resistance to the issue. Families did not receive the courtesy of an email or any other notification from the district that this was even being considered.

At this time, students are asking the board to reconsider their decision, and reinstate class rank. Students believe that it encourages healthy competition, promotes academic excellence, and motivates younger students when they see siblings earning these accolades.

I understand that class rank is not a primary factor in college admission and scholarship application, but it is definitely used when provided by the students. There are scholarships available only to valedictorian/salutatorians.

The decision to eliminate these honors may have been made with the intention to reduce student stress; however, it overlooks the constructive role that recognition plays in student motivation and achievement.

Students are asking for these honors to be reinstated. Over 1,100 people support their petition on change.org. The school board needs to listen.

Jody Mangus

Dunbar