• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Living

Twin sisters become valedictorian and salutatorian at same high school

0:44
Twins sisters become valedictorian and salutatorian
Josue Briseño
ByNicole Pelletiere
June 12, 2020, 8:04 AM

A set of twins who have been named valedictorian and salutatorian are separated by minutes in age, and a mere one one-hundredth of a point in GPA.

"The doctor said one minute, but the birth certificate says two," Judith Briseño, valedictorian of Mesquite High School in Texas, told "Good Morning America."

"We are very close," she added. "We would compete with one another, but it was healthy and friendly."

Judith and her sister, Janette, the salutatorian at Mesquite, recently graduated at the top of their class in a social distancing ceremony.

Judith earned a 3.95 GPA while Janette achieved a 3.94.

Twin sisters Judith and Janette Briseño, 17, have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of Mesquite High School's graduating class of 2020 in Texas. Judith earned a 3.95 GPA while Janette walked away with a 3.94.
Judith and Janette Briseño

Related Articles

MORE: 91-year-old former teacher shares best advice for graduating seniors amid COVID-19

The 17-year-olds were involved in the same extracurricular activities, including junior ROTC, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, calculus club and senior leaders. They also took multiple AP courses.

Judith and Janette said they've been trying since freshman year to achieve the lofty academic titles.

"It really doesn't happen that a val and sal are twins, so we were happy that we were able to accomplish that," Janette told "GMA." "There's no bitterness -- I'm just happy to be up there with her."

A set of twins, Judith and Janette Briseño, 17, have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of Mesquite High School's graduating class of 2020 in Texas. Judith and Janette will both attend Texas A&M University. They hope for careers in medicine.
Josue Briseño

Editor’s Picks

15-year-old to graduate with a high school diploma and college degree in same week

  • May 25, 2020

Valedictorian in and out of homelessness has sights on becoming FBI agent

  • Jun 04, 2020

Twins accepted to 38 colleges with $1M in scholarships hope to become nurses

  • May 18, 2020

"They're great representatives for our campus and of hard workers taking advantage of opportunities," Principal Gerald Sarpy told "GMA."

Related Articles

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

"They really [grew]," he added. "Not only academically, but they had a strong hand growing the JROTC program and grew in that program as well. We are so proud of all the obstacles they've overcome and very proud they represent Skeeter Nation."

PHOTO: A set of twins, Judith and Janette Briseño, 17, have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of Mesquite High School's graduating class of 2020 in Texas. They were involved in the same extra curricular activities and took several AP courses.
A set of twins, Judith and Janette Briseño, 17, have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of Mesquite High School's graduating class of 2020 in Texas.The 17-year-olds were involved in the same extra curricular activities including JROTC, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, calculus club and senior leaders.
Josue Briseño

Judith said she and Janette are undocumented immigrants. This posed a challenge when applying to school and obtaining financial aid, she explained.

"For anybody else in my situation or any Hispanic students or minority, if they feel something is challenging them, they shouldn't give up," Judith said, adding she and Janette are currently pursuing U.S. citizenship. "While there aren't many opportunities for me, there are still some."

Janette said, "Put in hard work. It will pay off, and you will be rewarded."

A set of twins, Judith and Janette Briseño, 17, have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of Mesquite High School's graduating class of 2020 in Texas.
Josue Briseño

Judith and Janette will both attend Texas A&M University. They hope to have careers in medicine.

Editor’s Picks

15-year-old to graduate with a high school diploma and college degree in same week

  • May 25, 2020

Valedictorian in and out of homelessness has sights on becoming FBI agent

  • Jun 04, 2020

Twins accepted to 38 colleges with $1M in scholarships hope to become nurses

  • May 18, 2020

Up Next in Living—

June's full strawberry moon: See photos and what it means for your zodiac

June 11, 2025

High school athlete somersaults to track and field championship win

June 10, 2025

Michaels buys Joann brand, plans to expand crafting supply to meet demand

June 6, 2025

Approximately 1.7 million air conditioners voluntarily recalled for potential mold exposure

June 6, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News