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1st African American valedictorian and salutatorian combo named in school’s 98-year history

VIDEO: School names 1st black valedictorian and salutatorian pair in school’s history
0:53
School names 1st black valedictorian and salutatorian pair in school’s history
ABCNews.com
ByNicole Pelletiere
May 29, 2020, 1:22 pm

On June 18, the valedictorian and salutatorian at Florida's Haines City High School will deliver their commencement speeches. And for the first time ever, both students are African American.

Myles McCants achieved a 4.409 grade point average, and Aria McDaniel holds a 4.394. In addition, Myles is making history on his own as the first African American male valedictorian at the school.

The 17-year-olds told "Good Morning America" they've been friends since kindergarten.

"I don't think it's fully hit me yet," Myles said of his academic title. "I'm glad that Aria is right there next to me. If I were to lose the spot, I'd definitely want it to be to her."

PHOTO: It is the first time in Haine City High School's history that both the valedictorian and salutatorian, (Myles McCants and Aria McDaniel) are African American. Here, Myles and Aria pose in a photo together from when they were in elementary school.
Myles McCants achieved a 4.409 grade point average and Aria McDaniel holds a 4.394. They are the valedictorian and salutatorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida. It is the first time in the school's history that both the valedictorian and salutatorian are African American. Here, Myles and Aria pose in a photo together from when they were in elementary school.
McDaniel Family

When he's not studying, Myles participates in clubs like Future Business Leaders of America and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). He was this year's president of student government and also played golf and basketball.

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Aria was co-captain of the girl's volleyball team, co-captain of the girl's weightlifting team and a member of the track team.

Outside of sports, she was president of the National Honor Society and involved in a club working for students against tobacco.

PHOTO: Myles McCants, the valedictorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida, will attend the University of South Florida studying political science. He'd like to be a transactional attorney after law school.
Myles McCants, the valedictorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida, will attend the University of South Florida studying political science. He'd like to be a transactional attorney after law school.
McCants Family

Both teens took AP classes and earned college credits while in high school.

"We separated the competition completely from our friendship," Aria said of her and Myles' goals to be the highest ranking students. "This year we had a class together and we would help each other out."

MORE: Identical twin sisters graduate high school as co-valedictorians with 4.0 GPAs

"Hard work really does pay off," she added. "I got into my dream school, I'm getting scholarships. It's all coming together."

PHOTO: Aria McDaniel, the salutatorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida, will attend the University of Florida to study biology. Her goal is to become a pediatrician.
Aria McDaniel, the salutatorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida, will attend the University of Florida to study biology. Her goal is to become a pediatrician.
McDaniel Family

Aria will attend the University of Florida this fall to study biology. Her goal is to become a pediatrician.

Myles will be at the University of South Florida studying political science. He'd like to be a transactional attorney after law school.

PHOTO: Myles McCants, 17, stands beside his sister, Taylar-Simone McCants, in an undated photo. Myles is is making history as the first African American male valedictorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida.
Myles McCants, 17, stands beside his sister, Taylar-Simone McCants, in an undated photo. Myles is is making history as the first African American male valedictorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida.
McCants Family

"I've seen them mature and grow from freshman first entering campus to seniors leaving," Haines' principal, Adam Lane, told "GMA" of the two graduates. "Those two really helped me develop the culture and climate that we have here -- making sure everyone gets involved, feels welcomed and connected."

As for their advice to rising students, Myles said it helps to do 70 percent of your homework at school when there's time.

PHOTO: Aria McDaniel, the salutatorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida, will attend the University of Florida tto study biology. Her goal is to become a pediatrician.
Aria McDaniel, the salutatorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida, will attend the University of Florida tto study biology. Her goal is to become a pediatrician.
McDaniel Family

As for Aria, she said, Be patient and you'll get noticed for your accomplishments.

PHOTO: Myles McCants and Aria McDaniel are the valedictorian and salutatorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida. It is the first time in the school's history that both the valedictorian and salutatorian are African American.
Myles McCants achieved a 4.409 grade point average and Aria McDaniel holds a 4.394. They are the valedictorian and salutatorian at Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida. It is the first time in the school's history that both the valedictorian and salutatorian are African American.
McCants Family

"It's OK to be the overachiever," she added.

Myles wants to thank his sister, Taylar-Simone McCants, for her support. Aria said she owes her gratitude to both God and her parents.

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