Traditional academic recognition replaced with Latin distinctions
By Andy Klotz—
MUNCIE, IN – More than 300 students walked across the stage at Emens Auditorium Monday night as the Muncie Central High School Class of 2026 gathered for a final time. There was no valedictorian recognized. No salutatorian either.
Instead, MCHS honored all high achieving graduates using the Latin honors system, which has three standard levels:
- Cum Laude – “With Distinction,” requiring a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5-3.74
- Magna Cum Laude – “With Great Distinction,” requiring a GPA of 3.74-3.99
- Summa Cum Laude – “With Highest Distinction,” requiring a GPA of 4.0 or higher
This is the first year the high school has used this system, which is more commonly seen at colleges and universities. Muncie Central officials transitioned from the traditional class ranking system, which recognized a valedictorian and salutatorian, at the request of the students themselves.
“It’s kind of counter-intuitive because students are used to the valedictorian-salutatorian ranking system, but the students brought it to us five years ago,” Muncie Community Schools Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds said. “Students are really excited about it.”
They’re excited because it allows a lot more of them, rather than just the top two, to receive special recognition. It also relieves the pressure of taking the hardest courses possible at the end of their high school career to achieve the highest class ranking possible.
Previously, with our weighted grades, students were taking classes that may not have been of extreme interest to them, but they needed to maintain a GPA for their class ranking,” MCHS Principal Chris Walker said. “So we did a ton of research, and found that kids would take classes that they were truly interested in even if it didn’t come with a weighted grade like in an Advanced Placement (AP) class. It also allows us to celebrate more students.”
In fact, school officials recognized 81 students who graduated with honors. A special banquet was held in May where students were presented with medals and heard an inspiring message from MCHS Teacher of the Year Morgan Leckie. All seemed to enjoy the new ceremony.
“It’s a good way to have more people be celebrated for their actions because it can affect a person in a certain way,” cum laude graduate Anthony English-Davis said. “I think it’s good for everybody.”
“This is a great idea,” summa cum laude graduate William Washburn said. “Me being a nerd, I would have loved to have valedictorian still, but this gives everybody an opportunity (to be recognized). It’s also an amazing opportunity to show the teachers that have impacted students’ lives.”
Each student at the banquet was presented their medal by the MCS teacher they selected as their “influential educator.” For summa cum laude graduate Amaya Stoudmire, that was math instructor Angela James. Despite some mixed feelings, Stoudemire is also happy about the change.
“If I’m being harsh, it’s almost like giving out participation trophies, but then again, I think it’s really inclusive, and I think that’s nice,” she said. “Overall, I’m really glad for it. I feel like it’s definitely taken away the stress from the students.”
That’s music to the ears of both Walker and Reynolds who have heard nothing but positive feedback about the change from families.
“So far, parents are excited that Muncie Community Schools is recognizing the hard work and dedication that their own kids have had over the course of four years,” Walker said. “That makes us happy, too.”
With such a positive reaction from students and parents, would MCS consider reverting back to the old system?
“No way,” Reynolds said.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society.
