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Valedictorians in the Making: A Study of the Influential Factors Affecting Student Success

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Title: Valedictorians in the Making: A Study of the Influential Factors Affecting Student Success
Language: English
Authors: Marie Olson, Aura Wharton-Beck
Source: Education Leadership Review of Doctoral Research. 2025 13:27-45.
Availability: International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership. Web site: https://www.icpel.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, High Achievement, High School Graduates, Student Motivation, High School Students, Culturally Relevant Education, Parent Influence, Environmental Influences, Performance Factors, Teacher Influence, Individual Characteristics, Personality Traits, Influences
ISSN: 2832-4250
Abstract: One of the most underutilized resources in education are the experiences of our top achievers. This qualitative case study highlights the educational journeys of 15 high school valedictorians from urban, suburban, and rural schools. Researchers uncovered the sources of motivation that drove valedictorians to relentlessly achieve excellence throughout their educational careers. The findings of this research revealed influences in the lives of valedictorians. These influences lead to the development of personal qualities. Those strong influences coupled with the development of personal qualities became paramount to overcoming adversities they faced. Those factors were explained and supported through three theoretical frameworks: Culturally responsive pedagogy, marginality and mattering, and habits of mind. Implications and recommendations for parents, PK-12 educators and school officials focused on building robust supports for students and teaching strong personal qualities for a healthy mindset.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1493900
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: One of the most underutilized resources in education are the experiences of our top achievers. This qualitative case study highlights the educational journeys of 15 high school valedictorians from urban, suburban, and rural schools. Researchers uncovered the sources of motivation that drove valedictorians to relentlessly achieve excellence throughout their educational careers. The findings of this research revealed influences in the lives of valedictorians. These influences lead to the development of personal qualities. Those strong influences coupled with the development of personal qualities became paramount to overcoming adversities they faced. Those factors were explained and supported through three theoretical frameworks: Culturally responsive pedagogy, marginality and mattering, and habits of mind. Implications and recommendations for parents, PK-12 educators and school officials focused on building robust supports for students and teaching strong personal qualities for a healthy mindset.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 19
        StartPage: 27
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Academic Achievement
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: High Achievement
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: High School Graduates
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Motivation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: High School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Culturally Relevant Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Parent Influence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Environmental Influences
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      – SubjectFull: Performance Factors
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Influence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Individual Characteristics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Personality Traits
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      – SubjectFull: Influences
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      – TitleFull: Valedictorians in the Making: A Study of the Influential Factors Affecting Student Success
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              Y: 2025
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