Grundy School Board picks 11 Valedictorians

ALTAMONT, Tennessee (WDEF) – After controversy about who was picked for valedictorian, the Grundy County School Board decided 11 students will be co-valedictorians.

“I feel that an attempt was made to rectify the situation. My personal opinion was it was a little bit of a knee jerk reaction, but I feel they did the best they could,” said senior Trevor Sanders.

The controversy started when Sanders questioned the naming of a junior, who is graduating early, for the top academic honor.

“My problem was never with the girl who received valedictorian. My problem the entire time was the decision to pass up four year students in favor of a three year student,” Sanders said.

It got so heated that Sanders was arrested last week for harassment. The girl’s parents had contacted the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.

“I can’t remember the last time I spoke to her directly. So I don’t know how it can be considered harassment when I have never spoken to her. I never spoke ill of her,” Sanders said.

On Thursday the school board chose to move past the controversy by deciding any student graduating with a 4.0 GPA or better would get the award.

The junior student’s parents issued this letter to the school board before the meeting.

Lindsey Layne’s sister was told in December that she was ranked number one for the class of 2018. She was shocked when she found out she wouldn’t be valedictorian two weeks ago. Layne was not thrilled about the school board’s decision.

“It is like participation trophies. And I don’t want to downplay it like that, because everyone of them kids work equally hard. But when they give 11 valedictorians, it’s not as special. For even that one student, who worked extremely hard to be the top in their class, I mean it’s just not the same,” Layne said.

She thinks rules should be changed, so only students who went the full four years are eligible for honors.

“If you want to graduate early, that is fantastic. Great for you, but how about you walk with your class,” Layne said.

Board members say they will also re-visit the valedictorian rules in the future. They plan to rewrite the student handbook for the incoming freshman class.