I was smart and lucky enough to be my high school valedictorian!
I was my school's valedictorian, as well.  The term is Anglicised from the Latin term for saying farewell.
Interesting!  What exactly does "angelicised" mean?  Have schools always had valedictorians?
Anglicization refers to making foreign words more palatable to English speakers, or those trying to understand a term from an English speaking perspective.
I get it!  Can there be multiple valedictorians, or is just for the student with the best grades?
I have heard of schools with co-valedictorians, and in those schools I assume that the honorary is chosen based solely on GPA.  In my school it was GPA as well as extra-curriculars.
I didn't know that extracurricular activities were a factor.  So, just because you have the best grades, does not necessarily mean you will be valedictorian?
That is correct, in part.  Highest GPA, as well as a well-rounded core of extracurriculars sponsored by school staff.