<p>I think most of this controversy is just a bit of vocabulary confusion. </p>
<p>Valedictorian is a title typically conferred to the highest ranking student academically. There should be only 1 unless there is a tie. </p>
<p>Magna Cum Laude is a title more associated with reaching a predefined minimum achievement. </p>
<p>There are some good reasons why doing away with Valedictorian. For example, it encourages students to avoid rigorous classes. IMO the revised title should be Manga Cum Laude not Valedictorian.</p>