A North Carolina high school did away with naming valedictorians, so when a student graduated at the top of his class, his parents took matters in to their own hands.
Josh Allmon graduated from East Wake High School with a 5.31 GPA, but when the school refused to name him as valedictorian, his father purchased a billboard congratulating his son on his academic accomplishments.
Dad buys billboard for valedictorian son https://t.co/NPsUGlmSvS https://t.co/SYrRgUduon— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX 4 NEWS) 1529097246.0
In a Facebook post, Josh's father Garry said "East Wake High School and Wake County Public School Board may not recognize Josh's hard work but we will." He included a picture of the billboard, which was on display from June 10-12, in the post.
"You will always be our valedictorian," the billboard read.
East Wake High School recently ended recognizing valedictorians in favor of a Latin honors system, which the school claims is "better way to recognize students who may have barely missed being named valedictorian or salutatorian by several decimal places," according to News and Observer.
Dad buys $1,800 billboard for son after school stops naming class valedictorian https://t.co/D9MjcOTfR4— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@TODAY with Hoda & Jenna) 1528925760.0
"It's a stupid rule that will hurt students down the line, but it'll accomplish their goal of making everyone feel equal," Josh wrote on Twitter.
Josh's academic accomplishments are seriously impressive.
Josh said that even though on paper he was number one in his class, the refusal of the school to recognize his achievements was upsetting.
✅5.31 GPA ✅All-Conference in 2 sports ✅Beta Club President ✅NHS President ✅FCA Leader ✅Had job senior year ✅450 c… https://t.co/n6EEzIybKS— Joshua Allmon (@Joshua Allmon) 1528818029.0
"I was flabbergasted when I first saw the billboard, and enjoyed the recognition that it gave, but was also appreciative of the fact that it allowed for a broader message/warning to be shared," Josh said. He wrote on Twitter that he hoped the billboard would send a message to the school system that refusing to name a valedictorian undermines the reputations of high-achieving students.
For those commenting, the billboard stood for more than my recognition. It was a public statement, geared towards a… https://t.co/uC3WlRHvbw— Joshua Allmon (@Joshua Allmon) 1528165804.0
He added that "new policies are aimed at making everyone feel as if they achieved equally; this is simply not the case. Some people simple work harder."
It’s impossible to compete on the national stage when your accomplishments are limited by the system you have no ch… https://t.co/GfAnDjlbJy— Joshua Allmon (@Joshua Allmon) 1528166107.0
Josh will attend North Carolina State University in the fall to study chemical engineering and paper science engineering with a minor in business, according to WRAL.
so the new system gives out Participation Awards? Yet another example of not preparing kids for the real world.… https://t.co/p036oHrfoF— Nikkers (@Nikkers) 1529014657.0
Did the school make the right choice? Or is this just another version of participation trophies?