On Monday, June 6, the Dallas Independent School District released a list of the highest-achieving students of the Class of 2022: the valedictorian and salutatorian for each of its 38 high schools.
In a statement released on its website, Dallas ISD issued hearty congratulations to all graduating high school seniors.
“Proving there is no achievement beyond reach, those holding this year’s coveted No.1 and No.2 spots embody an impressive breadth of knowledge and have shown exceptional academic prowess,” it reads. “Congratulations are extended to the honorees as they mark this important milestone in their lives.”
To be named valedictorian, a student must have earned the highest academic ranking amongst their graduating class. Usually, a student’s grade point average (GPA) is considered and the number of credits taken, but it may also include other selection methods, such as a faculty vote.
The honorific of salutatorian goes to the second highest-performing student. Both honorees are usually invited to address their fellow graduates and guests during commencement ceremonies. Traditionally, the salutatorian speaks first at the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, the valedictorian gives the valedictory address, or valediction, which often takes the form of a farewell speech to their fellow graduates.
The class of 2022 honorees worked hard to earn these prestigious distinctions and to represent their peers.
Almost all of them plan to continue their education by enrolling in a four-year college or university. Many of these students have been accepted to some of the most highly-respected universities in the country, such as Georgetown and Dartmouth. Others will attend Texas Woman’s University or Texas Christian University, closer to home, while several students have been accepted and plan to enroll at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M.
One student, Juan Antonio Tobar, valedictorian of H. Grady Spruce High School, has chosen to serve in the U.S. Navy. Salutatorian Joshua Enright of the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy at James W. Fannin School will continue to expand his game design startup company.
The Dallas Independent School District is the second-largest school district in Texas, operating more than 200 pre-K through 12th-grade schools throughout Dallas County. The district serves more than 150,000 students each year with a budget of more than $2 billion.
This year marked the return of in-person high school commencement ceremonies for Dallas ISD high schools, which had temporarily halted in-person gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
A complete list of the Dallas ISD Class of 2022 valedictorians and salutatorians can be found online at dallasisd.org.