Philadelphia twins, Jonathan and Janaya McCray Boston are already making a mark in the world. The pair are not only first generation college students, they are set to graduate as valedictorian and salutatorian of their school.
“Good Morning Facebook Family and Friends! I am pleased to announce that I will graduating as Valedictorian and my twin sister Janaya will be graduating Salutatorian,” the teen posted on Facebook. “We will be be giving graduation speeches. The hard work paid off. I have to give all honor and praise to God 🙌🏾🙂. I will never thought I would be graduating first in my class in High School!”
The William W. Bodine High School students were born a minute apart and have always relied on each other.
“We motivate each other at all times, like we compete for grades and everything,” Janaya said in an interview with Philadelphia’s ABC 6 Action News.
Johnathan echoed his sister’s sentiments in the interview, adding that his parents were also integral in the pair making it this far.
“I watched my parents sacrifice a lot for me and my sister throughout the years.”
The dynamic duo’s history teacher, Kate Raber, also weighed in on the students in the interview, saying that they were more than just book smart.
“They are students who know their minds. They’re students who know how to elevate their voices and their own classmates,” Raber said.
In addition to their academics, both students were also athletes. Johnathan ran track and Janaya played basketball. Both students are attending college on full four-year scholarships, although they are not headed to the same place.
“For the next 4 years I will be attending Howard University,” Johnathan commented on Facebook. “I will majoring in Political Science. I will be working on my future towards being a lawyer and trusted politician.” Johnathan aspires to become the next president of the United States, following in the footsteps of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Janaya is headed to Temple University, in perusing her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Congratulations Janaya and Johnathan. We have no doubt that your future will be full of amazing success!
