THE CADEN LIPSKY STORY - COMPETITION WITH NO WINNER Artwork

Jen and Friends - A Podcast

A casual podcast showcasing what's hot in the west Valley... Goodyear, Buckeye and Litchfield Park in Arizona. Long-time resident, parent, volunteer, and former council member Jen Barber combines her passion for community with her background in broadcasting. Kick back, relax and hear from the positive leaders, neighbors, and parents in the community - the movers and shakers shaping our future.

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Jen and Friends - A Podcast

THE CADEN LIPSKY STORY - COMPETITION WITH NO WINNER

May 13, 2023 • Jen Barber - West Valley Families • Season 2 • Episode 2

The West Valley's Caden Lipsky is a graduating senior with a 5.24 GPA. Number one in his class. But the aspiring astronaut won't be named "Valedictorian" due to school district guidelines now becoming more popular in schools nationwide.

While schools like to brag on #1 athletes, they diminish the values of hard work in the classroom by lumping top students into categories of Top 1%, Top 5%, and Top 10%. No longer are Valedictorians and Salutatorians honored in a growing number of school districts.

Inspired by astronaut Senator Mark Kelly, Caden worked tirelessly during his parents' divorce and the pandemic to earn the #1 spot. Being ripped of Valedictorian status is a disappointment... but he's taking it in stride and hopes to change the policy for those graduating after him.

MORE: https://open.substack.com/pub/westvalleyfamilies/p/the-caden-lipsky-story

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View: https://youtu.be/z8hdPyZN70A

P.S. Special thanks to Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne for taking 20 minutes to speak with me on a variety of topics affecting public schools. I will be breaking education news throughout the weekend.

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People on this episode

Jen Barber

Host