valedictorian

Etymology

Formed 1759, from valediction (“speech made when leaving”).

noun

1. (US, Canada, properly) The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.
   Coordinate term: salutatorian
   Our oldest son was valedictorian of his high school class and went to a top university. But right about this time two years ago, our second son told us he wasn’t interested in college. 2020-07-02, Arthur C. Brooks, “A College Degree Is No Guarantee of a Good Life”, in The Atlantic
   At first, it seemed a joyous occasion. There was an audible gasp in the room, then boisterous cheering and applause when the announcement was made: Ikeria Washington and Layla Temple had been named 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian for West Point High School. 2021-06-11, Stephanie Saul, “Two Black Students Won School Honors. Then Came the Calls for a Recount.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN
2. (US, Canada, colloquial) The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.