by Kandiss Edwards
Could 1, 2026
The Philadelphia natives stated the information got here as a “surreal” shock.
Cheyney College, the nation’s oldest traditionally Black school, has introduced that twin sisters Tia and Jasmin Criss will graduate on the high of their class as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
The Philadelphia natives, who constructed their tutorial basis on the Philadelphia Excessive Faculty for Ladies, stated the information got here as a “surreal” shock. Tia and Jasmin say their main focus all through their four-year tenure was consistency and mutual assist moderately than aggressive rankings.
“It’s form of surreal,” Tia Criss informed CBS Information Philadelphia. “We weren’t making an attempt to realize valedictorian or salutatorian — it simply occurred that method.”
Born simply three minutes aside, the sisters credit score their dad and mom for instilling the self-discipline that fueled their success within the classroom and on the tennis courtroom. Whereas they shared an an identical drive for excellence, the twins are carving out distinct profession paths as they put together for the college’s Could 9 graduation.
Tia, the valedictorian, intends to leverage her analytical abilities within the insurance coverage business, whereas Jasmin, the salutatorian, plans to pursue a inventive future in advertising or trend. Each sisters will stay collectively this fall as they start a Grasp of Enterprise Administration program at West Chester College.
The milestone is marked by profound emotion for the household following the passing of their father, Lynn Criss III, in March. College management described the sisters’ journey as a personification of the HBCU expertise, emphasizing that their achievement is a byproduct of dedication and neighborhood perception. Affiliate Dean of College students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers famous that the Criss twins’ dedication units a excessive customary for future students on the historic establishment.
“That is the product of working arduous — dedication,” Affiliate Dean of College students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers informed CBS Information. “You see that within the Criss twins. It’s an incredible story.”
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