This was a good decision.   Remember, we're talking about high school, where kids are still immature both emotionally and intellectually.  I won't say that "nobody" cares,  just that "nobodies" care-- about how one smart kid ranks in a head-to-head GPA competition which uses a shallow scoring system to pit kids against one another.  It's an academic beauty pageant (or slug-fest, depending on who's officiating).  

In response to MushyWaffle's "mediocrity and lack of drive" comment, specifically-- It's Waaaay more important for a kid to leave HS educated, sober, humble, and prepared for the next chapter in life. I know several adults who cheated and cajoled their way to a coveted HS Valedictorian title (myself included)-- and 40 yrs onward, the title is both pompous and irrelevant.