Congratulations are in order for identical twins Llayna and Saniah Maul. The sisters have been named Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Tallahassee, Florida’s Amos B. Godby High School’s C/O ’24!
“It’s just been both of us trying really hard at school,” Llayna, the Valedictorian said in a recent interview with Tallahassee’s ABC WXTL-27. Llayna continued giving credit to she and her sister’s teachers for helping them to achieve their academic success.
“They’re dedicating their lives to be able to teach you. It’s worthwhile to just focus and pay attention and really put forth that effort to make them proud.”
Saniah, the Salutatorian, added to her sister’s comments, “I don’t work for the A or the high GPA, I work just so I can be the best I can be. Apply yourself, ask for help, and then the grades and the success that will come with that.”
In addition to their academics, the 17-year-old scholars are also very involved in their school’s theater program. Recently, their theater group that went to State and most recently performed “Shrek the Musical”.
As if keeping up with what is going on in the halls of Godby isn’t enough, the sisters have ventured out and have been taking classes at Tallahassee Community College to get a jump start on college life.
In addition to their Godby educators, Llayna and Saniah also credit their mother, Annie Leonard, with inspiring and motivating them to excel.
Naturally, Leonard is extremely proud of her daughters. As an alumna of Godby herself, she says that this is a “full-circle” moment for her family.
“It’s just wonderful, it’s come back full circle,” she said in a recent interview. “I made sure that my children would have the opportunities that I wish I had. …My daughters are wonderful, but they’re doing what anybody can do with support.”
So what advice to these two amazing you ladies gave to share with others? “Apply yourself, ask for help, and then the grades and the success will come with that.”
We couldn’t agree more with Saniah. Congratulations ladies! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.
Photo: ABC WTXL-27; Tallahassee Democrat Instagram; Attorney Ben Crump Instagram
