Students wearing academic regalia attend their graduation ceremony at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), June 14, 2019 in Los Angeles California. - With 45 million borrowers owing $1.5 trillion, the student debt crisis in the United Sta A school district in Colorado has plans to do away with valedictorian awards at its high schools.Starting with the class of 2026, the Cherry Creek School District in western Arapahoe County, Colorado, will not give special recognition to students who have earned the highest grade-point average in their class at graduations, according to FOX 31 Denver KDVR.The school district notified parents about the ceremonial change in a recent newsletter, the local news station reported.The newsletter said faculty have found the tradition no longer appropriate for their students. "The practices of class rank and valedictorian status are outdated and inconsistent with what we know and believe of our students," said the letter, which is dated March 9, 2022."We believe all students can learn at high levels, and learning is not a competition."Instead of having the highest-ranking student deliver a graduation farewell address, the Cherry Creek School District will acknowledge academic achievements "through various other ways," including an honor roll, GPA honor cords at graduation, and department- and school-specific award ceremonies.The letter claims the Cherry Creek School District consulted local schools, colleges and universities in Colorado to ensure its decision to eliminate valedictorian distinction does not harm students in admission processes.RELATED: 80-year-old man gets ‘met minimum’ stamp removed from high school diplomaThe school district cited a quote from the vice chancellor of.