Graduation 2016
CLASS VALEDICTORIAN
Valedictory (noun) – a farewell speech (from Latin vale – farewell and dicere – to say).
Valedictorian (noun) – the student who delivers the valedictory at the graduation.
The Valedictorian is an individual nominated and elected by the graduating class to
represent his/her peers. It is both an honour and a privilege to be selected as the
Valedictorian. Therefore, the individual selected should be an exemplary Gonzaga student.
St. Aloysius Secondary School selects the Valedictorian on the basis of academic standing
and school/community involvement.
I. To Be Nominated for Valedictorian:
Students must have a peer, or teacher recommend them for the position of Valedictorian.
Students can also nominate themselves. If interested please pick up a Valedictorian
Nomination Form from the main office. Completed Nomination Forms are to be returned to
Mr. Eagles by March 11th, 2016.
II. How are Nominations finalized?
A committee will ensure that all nominees meet the criteria below. A student who does not
meet the criteria will automatically be eliminated. A member(s) of the committee will contact
each qualifying nominee to explain the process in more detail and invite them to participate in
an interview.
Each candidate for the position of Valedictorian must meet all of the criteria listed below:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Have been a student in full-time attendance for at least the past 2 years at
St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Secondary School.
Be on track by midterm of Semester II to complete all Ministry requirements for an
OSSD by June 2016.
Have a minimum overall average of 78% in 6 (Gr.12) 4th Year courses.
Provide a complete list of all extra-curricular activities, academic honours, and awards
earned.
The student must have a minimum of 25 house points.
Prepare a 300-500 word typed composition (in Arial, 12 pt. font) which clearly
articulates:
a) why he/she considers himself/herself to be an appropriate candidate for
valedictorian; and
b) how he/she specifically exemplifies several of the Ontario Catholic School
Graduate Expectations.
Have the recommendation of at least three teachers and a guidance counsellor .
Have the recommendation of at least 5 current potential graduates.
Note: Each potential graduate may recommend only 1 fellow student for the position of
valedictorian.
III. If Nominated a Meeting will be Required.
A member(s) of the committee will meet with all nominated candidates, congratulate them on
their nomination and review with them the process for the Valedictorian election and the
responsibilities of a valedictorian.
All nomination forms must be returned by Friday March 11th, 2016 by 2:18pm directly to
Mr. Eagles in the Guidance Department.
Interviews will take place after school on Tuesday March 22, 2016 in room 104-A.
Nominees will be responsible for delivering a 2-3 minute speech – a condensed version of
his/her Valedictorian Address and will answer a few questions from the committee.
After the interviews, three nominees will be chosen by the selection committee for
valedictorian. These three nominees will have their “Gonzaga Bio” displayed in the cafeteria
on March 29th, 30th and 31st – during all three lunches – in order to inform the graduating
class of each nominee and his/her contributions to Gonzaga. There will be ABSOLUTELY
NO campaigning on the behalf of any nominee. Any campaigning will result in the nominee
being removed from the Valedictorian ballot.
Voting will take place on Monday April 4th, 2016 during Grad Payment – period 1 & 2. At
that time, each voter will select their choice for the 2016 Gonzaga Valedictorian.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga S.S.
Valedictorian Nomination Form
Nominee: _________________ (first) ___________________________ (last)
Student Number: ______________________ Date of Birth: ____ _____ _____
(mm/dd/yy)
Student E-mail: ________________________ (Please print neatly)
Checklist:
Valedictorian Nomination Form
Credit Counselling Summary – (see the receptionist in the Guidance Office)
300-500 word Composition (12 font – Arial)
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, ACADEMIC HONOURS, AND AWARDS
at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School.
GRADE: EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY/
House Points:
ACADEMIC HONOUR/AWARD DESCRIPTIONS: (see agenda)
9
10
11
12
Teacher Referees:
Please secure the signatures of 3 different teachers who know you well enough to
provide a recommendation. Each teacher may recommend only 1 potential candidate.
PRINTED NAMES:
1. __________________________
SIGNATURES:
__________________________
2. __________________________
__________________________
3. __________________________
__________________________
4. __________________________
__________________________ Counsellor
Student Referees:
Please secure the signatures of 5 current potential graduates who know you well
enough to provide a recommendation. Each potential graduate may recommend only 1
potential candidate.
PRINTED NAMES:
1. __________________________
SIGNATURES:
__________________________
2. __________________________
__________________________
3. __________________________
__________________________
4. __________________________
__________________________
5. __________________________
__________________________