Salem High School senior Matt Lipscomb auditioned last month to give a speech at graduation, which takes place today at the Salem Civic Center.

Years ago, the high school did away with its traditional class rankings. Instead, any senior with a 4.0 GPA or above is considered a valedictorian. Forty-six of roughly 270 graduates qualified this year, so when it comes to deciding who speaks at the ceremony, seniors must audition.

It’s a tradition shaped and solidified over the years, guided by the school’s forensics coach, Mark Ingerson. It’s not a typical approach, but the process, Ingerson believes, results in better speeches.