It’s not so rare that a graduating class has co-valedictorians.
It is rare, however, that twin sisters share the honor, especially after earning the same grades and the same GPA.
Abigail and Annabelle Smith did just that. The twins were named the 2026 Gaither High School valedictorians, finishing with identical 8.24 GPAs.
The Beacon took the time to chat with the Smith sisters before they embark on their separate collegiate careers.
Beacon: What was it like to share the experience of co-valedictorian with your sister?
Abigail: Being able to share the title of valedictorian with my sister has been the most amazing experience throughout high school. I am so glad that we were able to be co-valedictorians despite how difficult it was. It feels much more special to share this with my sister. After our first semester of freshmen year, we had the full intention of tying as valedictorian. It was never a competition between us to see who could score higher on a test or take extra classes. We knew we wanted to take the same credits in order to tie.
Annabelle: Being co-valedictorians with my twin sister has been the best experience and an amazing way to end our high school careers. We have helped each other so much throughout high school, so it is a gift to be able to earn these achievements together. We always intended to tie as co-valedictorians since freshman year, but only in the past two years did I think that this was a real possibility. It was very challenging to earn identical GPAs, especially since we took different classes throughout high school.
Beacon: What are your college plans now?
Abigail: I am going to school at Boston University in the fall where I will major in journalism. I intend to pursue investigative journalism in the future.
Annabelle: I will be attending the University of Florida in the fall and will major in finance.
Beacon: This will be the first time you two will be at different schools. How do you think that will go?
Abigail: I try not to think about going to school so far from Belle in the future, but I know that it will definitely be what is best for both of us. We will certainly be Facetiming all of the time, and I know that I will be able to call her whenever I need. I am sure we will still help one another with homework. And now I have excuses to go to football games in Gainesville! I am just so proud of Belle that it is hard to be upset at all!
Annabelle: I think that going to college in different states will be a challenge at first, but I am sure that this will be our chance to really find ourselves. We haven’t been apart for longer than a week, so this is all new territory, but I know that Abi will do so well in Boston in the coming years.
Beacon: And finally, what has it meant to your family that you two share this accomplishment?
Abigail: My family has always been so supportive of me, and I definitely owe this all to them. My parents and both of my sisters have been my motivation when things became challenging. I have had so many celebrations since the valedictorian announcement, and I am incredibly grateful.
Annabelle: My family has continued to support me every day and show how proud they are of me. I definitely could not have done this without them and appreciate all of their contributions and encouragement.