Valedictorian

[BigV]

It's *A* marker in a longer race.

I can say that because I've gone further down the track, unlike these young students. Being first to the apex of the first turn makes available certain options, some of which are advantages, that those further back in the pack don't get. But the "track" is longer, and multi-threaded, so that fact, that snapshot, while true for that moment, isn't much of an indicator of anything about the whole race, much less the finish line.

It does say that hard work is sometimes recognized. It can be the result of good habits like diligence, goal setting and reaching, good organizational skills, a helpful and supportive personal network, etc. I applaud those young people for working hard and I hope they're able to use these habits to their advantage throughout their careers.