Maybe anecdotal, but probably not. The Valedictorian didn’t do anything to show he is capable of completing college level work. The other students were lower ranked, but presumably took some college level courses, and even though they had less than perfect grades, showed that they were capable of learning at that level. These students might not be the top of their class at an elite college, but they will make it through to graduation - it’s just as well they’re not used to being top dog. 4 or 5 years from now, nobody is going to care who was valedictorian.