Twin Sisters Graduate As Valedictorian, Salutatorian From Tampa High School

TAMPA, FL — It was a historic moment for an all-girls Catholic high school in Tampa as 18-year-old twin sisters earned the top honors of valedictorian and salutatorian as part of the 2026 graduating class.

The Academy of the Holy Names celebrated the graduation of its 112 seniors on Tuesday at the Straz Center.

Adrina Lyons and Alyssa Lyons graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, the school said in social media posts.

“Having my twin sister beside me throughout this journey has been incredibly special,” Adriana told People, adding, “We have always pushed each other to work harder, dream bigger, and become better versions of ourselves.”

The sisters, who have attended the school since kindergarten, are believed to be the first twins to graduate with these honors.

They also served as co-valedictorian and co-salutatorian when they graduated from their eighth-grade class in 2022, WTSP said.

They’ve “distinguished themselves through their dedication to academic excellence and commitment to their studies,” the school said. “They are also deeply involved in service, each accumulating more than 400 community service hours during their high school years.”

Both Adriana and Alyssa plan to attend the University of Florida as part of its honors program, where they will pursue degrees in chemistry.