Valedictorian (noun)

The student with the highest academic rank in a graduating class, who usually delivers the valedictory address at graduation.

Origin:

From the latin word "vale dicere" meaning "to say farewell".

Examples:

1. The valedictorian of the class gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.
2. She was named valedictorian of her high school class.
3. The valedictorian is often the student who has the highest grades in the class.
4. He was proud to be the valedictorian of his college class.
5. The valedictorian is usually chosen by the school administration based on the student's academic performance.