I do dislike the ways some people compliment themselves, which happens a lot at my school, ("Oh no! I only got a 98.4%!") but I don't think this means we should disregard all honors bestowed on us during high school. A way for the teacher to tell us how we're doing, grades are valuable because they're all based on the same scale for everyone. (ideally) So, when I flunk a test, I know for certain that I need to study harder.

Now, think about that valedictorian. So her personal life was in shambles. Now imagine how bad it would have been for her if she worked hard enough to receive the best grades in school, and got absolutely no reward for that.

My point is, grades and awards are very, very important so kids learn doing their school years that their hard work and ability WILL and SHOULD be rewarded.