valedictorian

noun2

1. •
   (US, Canada) The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.

   • Our oldest son was valedictorian of his high school class and went to a top university. But right about this time two years ago, our second son told us he wasn’t interested in college. — 2020
2. •
   (US, Canada) The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.

   • A social media firestorm erupted last week after two Texas high school valedictorians revealed that they were undocumented immigrants heading to well-respected U.S. colleges with financial aid. — 2016