Two twin sisters at Cheney University, born just three minutes apart, are sharing yet another moment together.
Tia and Jasmin Criss, seniors at the oldest historically Black university in the country, are graduating May 9 at the top of their class.
Tia is valedictorian, and Jasmin is the salutatorian, writes Joe Holden for CBS News Philadelphia.
“It’s sort of surreal,” Tia Criss said. “We weren’t trying to achieve valedictorian or salutatorian — it just happened that way.”
The girls said they didn’t realize they were top contenders.
Both graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. It was their parents who gave them the discipline to aim high.
The sisters, who love tennis and badminton, have a contagious kindness.
“This is the product of working hard,” Associate Dean of Students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers said. “Dedication. You see that in the Criss twins. It is an amazing story.”
Tia hopes to follow her mother into the insurance field.
Jasmin is leaning more toward marketing or fashion.
The girls’ father, Lynn Criss III, passed away in March, but they said he would be proud of all they achieved.
The young ladies will start the MBA program at West Chester University in the fall.
Read more about Tia and Jasmin Criss’ relationship at CBS News Philadelphia.
