this post was submitted on 24 May 2025
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WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) – A valedictorian at a Catholic high school in Kansas had his title revoked after he gave an unapproved speech at graduation.

Now, the community is rallying behind Austin Tran, with nearly 10,000 people signing an online petition to reinstate his title.

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School asked Tran to return his valedictorian medal and recognition after he gave the unapproved speech at graduation Sunday.

While there was nothing offensive in the speech, the school said it was “too long,” lasting beyond the four-minute timeframe he was given.

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[–] nulluser@lemmy.world 43 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

While there was nothing offensive in the speech, the school said it was “too long,” lasting beyond the four-minute timeframe he was given.

Somebody's on a serious power trip.

[–] magnetosphere@fedia.io 4 points 3 weeks ago

Petty administrators love their little power trips. Taking away this student’s valedictorian title probably made a pencil pusher cum, possibly for the first time in years.

[–] LuxSpark@lemmy.cafe 33 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

So, valedictorian is a conformity award? Seems pretty worthless.

[–] Bo7a@lemmy.ca 18 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

It always has been. At least in my experience.

I had the highest total grades and the highest average in my class by a pretty wide margin. I was absolutely confident that I would be valedictorian.

However, when the announcement of valedictorian came out it was given to somebody who had achieved significantly less.

When I asked my teacher why they explained that I didn't fit the image of a valedictorian...

Probably because my hair was blue and I wore a green suit to grad.

[–] credo@lemmy.world 7 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

OP valedictorian wore a green dress, so I think you’re on to something.

[–] EndlessNightmare@reddthat.com 4 points 3 weeks ago

Interesting, at my school it was literally just whoever graduated with the highest GPA.

[–] spooky2092@lemmy.blahaj.zone 12 points 3 weeks ago

Bishop Carroll Catholic High School asked Tran to return his valedictorian medal and recognition after he gave the unapproved speech at graduation Sunday.

[–] Alexstarfire@lemmy.world 10 points 3 weeks ago

Man, the valedictorian speech at my school was like half an hour long. No one cared.