Twin Brothers, First in Their Family to Go to College, Named High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian
“We were always competing against each other to see who could do their homework the fastest and correctly,” twin Joshua Garcia told WTMJ
For these Wisconsin twin brothers, academic excellence appears to be in their genes.
Joseph and Joshua Garcia were selected as St. Anthony High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian respectively for the class of 2024, the Milwaukee-based school said in a community note.
“Joseph and Joshua's hard work has paid off with outstanding college acceptances,” read the announcement. “With over 40 applications submitted, they've received acceptance letters from over 30 institutions, amassing an impressive $5 million in scholarships, collectively, from prestigious private liberal arts colleges like the University of Richmond and Lehigh University to esteemed institutions like St. Olaf College and Lawrence University, their options are as diverse as their talents.”
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In an interview with NBC affiliate WTMJ, the Garcia brothers said that they have pushed each other to succeed since their childhood. Their parents also encouraged them.
“We were always competing against each other to see who could do their homework the fastest and correctly,” Joshua told the outlet.
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Joseph said they were also driven because their parents didn't go to college, per WTMJ. "It was very important, especially for our family, to be the first ones to go to the [through] that process," he added.
The Garcia brothers will now attend Lawrence University, a liberal arts school in Appleton, Wisconsin.
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“Their aspirations reflect their unique passions and career goals,” St. Anthony High School said in its note. “Joseph, Valedictorian, plans to major in music theory and composition, aspiring to become a conductor. Joshua, the Salutatorian, has his sights set on majoring in computer science and criminal justice, with dreams of pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity and joining the FBI.”
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Joshua expressed pride in his and his brother's academic accomplishments, and the two of them also cited the support from St. Anthony’s teachers.
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“My parents have told me, ‘We're proud of you.’ And they can't wait for graduation,” Joshua said, per WTMJ.
The ceremony for St. Anthony High School’s graduating Class of 2024 will take place on June 1.
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