The top five highest GPAs of the senior class (as of the fourth-quarter progress report) who has completed a minimum of 5 semesters at Gilroy High School, will be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian candidacies. A selection panel will decide valedictorian and salutatorian based on academic accomplishments and these factors:
- Academic program strength (honors, Advanced Placement, college-level courses, etc.)
- Students must be exemplary role models, so each candidate's discipline history will be considered.
- Community service and school activity involvement will also be taken into consideration. The quantity and quality of the community service hours will be reviewed. The student's involvement in extracurricular activities such as performing arts, athletics, clubs, etc., will be considered.
- Each student will write their own speech (three to four minutes) and be asked to read it to the panel as part of the selection process. The speech will be scored on content and delivery.
Candidates will also be asked to provide an updated resume for the panel to review. It should list scholarships and grants and other honors from the Senior Awards Night.
The selection panel, which consists of administrators, teachers and student services staff will make the final decision after speeches are heard and all other factors taken into consideration. The candidate with the highest score will be valedictorian and the second highest will be the salutatorian for the senior class.
