Editing Valedictorian (section)

== Origin ==
The term is an [[Anglicisation|Anglicised]] [[derivation (linguistics)|derivation]] of the [[Latin]] {{lang|la|vale dicere}} ("to say farewell"), historically rooted in the valedictorian's traditional role as the final speaker at the graduation ceremony commencement before the students receive their diplomas. The valedictory address, also known as the [[valediction]], is generally considered a final farewell to classmates, before they disperse to pursue their individual paths after graduating.

=== Other terms ===
The term is mostly used [[United States]], [[Canada]], and the [[Philippines]], but other countries around the world have adapted to start using the term such as [[Nigeria]], some countries may also award equivalent titles. In Australia, the title is sometimes awarded to a member of a graduating university class on the basis of a contribution to the school rather than academic success. The highest-ranking student in a graduating class is often referred to as {{lang|la|[[dux#Post-Roman uses|dux]]}} (Latin for "leader"), and may or may not give a speech. In [[France]] the term {{lang|fr|Major de promotion}} ("first in class") is used, although the term is not related to any ceremonial role, as there are rarely graduation ceremonies in schools or universities.