End-of-Semester Valedictorian

Typically observed in higher education or at the high school level. Refers to the phenomenon in which a student who has done minimal coursework, suddenly exhibits an immense amount of effort, completing (or attempting to complete) every assignment; this is accompanied by a "sudden", doctoral level, concern about one's Grade Point Average (GPA) and academic standing. This term originated from decades of confused professors and teachers musing," if student name had demonstrated this effort and consideration for their GPA throughout all four years of college/high school, they could be valedictorian of their class". Addendum: This term can also apply to the class rank parents expect their student to achieve when they turn in one missing assignment (typically two to five days after the end of the semester); however, it should not be confused with "End-of-Semester Salutatorian".

The college professor sighed and drank deeply into a cup of coffee, "I know Sarah needs an 'A' in my class in order to have a high enough GPA in his major to graduate, just another 'End-of-Semester Valedictorian" :takes another drink of coffee: "thankfully, I teach college".
*or*
The AP Physics teacher was just about to take a drink of her ice-cold stale coffee when "Jeff", who spent most of the course roaming the halls, busted into the room for the fifth time that day, and asked "what can I do to get a 98?" Jeff was clearly an example of the dreaded "End-of-Semester Valedictorian".