Valedictorian is an anglicized derivation of the Latin vale dicere ("to say farewell"), historically rooted in the valedictorian's traditional role as the final speaker at the graduation ceremony. The valedictory address is generally considered a final farewell to classmates, before they disperse as a collective group in order to pursue their individual paths after graduating. The title of class valedictorian is common in educational institutions in the United States and Canada, while its equivalent in Australia, New Zealand and Scotland is dux.

The Valedictorian for Vanier Graduation ceremonies is chosen by a selection committee of teachers and staff based on nominations which are solicited each year from teacher and staff members of the Vanier community. The criteria for nomination for Valedictorian are:

• Academically strong: an  R score of 30 or more (this is very roughly an 85% average)
• Positive about Vanier
• Articulate
• Comfortable speaking in public
• Broad experience at Vanier.

Recent Valedictorians

2011 - 2012
Nomination process is still in progress. Click here for more details.

2010 - 2011
Genevieve Zimantas, Liberal Arts
Read the Press Release on Genevieve.
Read Genevieve's Valedictory Speech.

2009 - 2010
Sarah Lone, Social Science Green Studies Major
Read the English press release on Sarah.

2008 - 2009
Tiffany Pontes, Nursing
Read the English or the French press release on Tiffany.

2007 - 2008
Teresa Maria Julian, Liberal Arts
Read the English or the French press release on Teresa.
Click here to read Teresa's speech during the Graduation ceremony

2006 - 2007
Philip Lagogiannis, Health Science

2005 - 2006
Michael Dyck Holzinger, Science and Music Double DEC

2004 - 2005
Papu Nath, Health Science