The title of ‘valedictorian’ is one cherished by many San Luis Obispo High School seniors. A valediction is an academic title of success used in only The United States, Canada, Philippines, and Armenia, for the student who delivers the farewell statement at a graduation ceremony. The chosen valedictorian is traditionally the senior with the highest ranking among their graduating class.

The SLOHS class of 2019 valedictorian was Kavi Freyaldenhoven. Expressions set out to see what he’s doing now and what this desired title really means. 

  Expressions: How did your work ethic effect getting to be the valedictorian?

  Freshman at Duke University Kavi Freyaldenhoven: Work ethic played a pretty large role in me getting valedictorian because I was willing to work through the rigor of lots of AP classes and put in the level of effort and time they require.

  Expressions: How did it feel to be named the valedictorian?

  Freyaldenhoven: It felt pretty good because it was four years in the making. Also, giving the speech was a pretty unique experience that I’m not sure I’ll ever have again.

  Expressions: Did being named a valedictorian ever help with school, jobs, or extra curricular activities?

  Freyaldenhoven: I think it helped my college application but not too much else.

  Expressions: Now being out of high school, does ‘being a valedictorian’ ever come up?

  Freyaldenhoven: No not really, I think something like 95 percent of Duke students were in the top 10 percent of the class, so being the top of high school isn’t really a huge deal. 

  Expressions: Overall, how do you think ‘being a valedictorian’ affects the student in and after high school?

  Freyaldenhoven: I think it just makes school a little harder. But there’s really no effect outside of school. Looking back, I wish I didn’t try to be valedictorian.