Did you see them as lesser than you? Did you think they weren’t as smart or hardworking as you because of their lower GPA? Did you feel guilty for being put on an academic pedestal?
Really??? You have a number of posts about insecurities regarding your own GPA but it is silly to think that a val would be put on a pedestal by others or would look down on others. You need to understand that people are not defined by GPA alone.
What a weird question…this screams “I am insecure so I want to vent out by vilifying the valedictorians.”
I was a valedictorian. I didn’t think badly of others, I just worked really hard and was proud of my accomplishment. I was definitely not in the popular crowd, but at our 30th high school reunion, several of the “popular” kids wanted their picture taken with me since I had been #1. That astounded me!
You need to do the best you can and be proud of yourself for trying. Don’t worry about other people. 
I just saw this post and it reminded me of my own experience in high school, albeit in a different context. I always did the high school plays. When I was in the chorus, I assumed that all the kids who had the leads thought of me as “lesser.” They never did anything to signify they felt that way. It was all my own insecurity. When I started to get leads in the plays, I realized how absurd this was. I never looked down on the other kids in the show. I never thought of myself as “better.” I just enjoyed the experience and wanted to be friends with everyone.
Not sure. I have several that work for me. I’ll call them into my office tomorrow and ask them
I am sure they view their fellow graduates as their classmates.
I do remember feeling proud that I got to lead everyone into the auditorium for graduation.
My best friend from high school was Val. Perfect GPA. Most rigorous schedule. All of that.
I went to a state college after having a 3.4. Our other best friend had a sub 3.0 and went to community college.
She viewed us as people. People hated her and found her undeserving, but I don’t think she cared about our academics.
Almost three years after the fact it really matters even less, we laugh at ourselves and think about how little high school issues like who’s val and sal matters in our adult lives.