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| Posted on Thursday, April 25 @ 00:00:06 PDT |
Richton High School twins become first in school history to graduate together as valedictorian and salutatorian RICHTON, Miss. (WDAM) - A set of twins at Richton High School are making history as they prepare to walk across the stage at graduation in May. However, it’s the obstacles the pair faced to become top of class that are no less amazing. For the last 18 years, twins Lauren and Landon Smith have navigated life together. From school, to sports, they’ve helped each other get to this moment. Just a few short weeks from graduation, the twins will represent Richton High School together, as the valedictorian and salutatorian. “I think that’s what makes me enjoy it the most,” Richton High School Valedictorian Lauren Smith said. “We’ve been together for so long that to be able to do something so special with him is great.” The Smiths’ sibling rivalry and competitive nature helped keep them focused as they worked towards earning their respective titles. “If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be up here,” Richton High School Salutatorian Landon Smith said. “It sucks to lose to her, but I’m proud of her. It’s an accomplishment.” It’s also a huge milestone for mom.
Amber Smith’s parenting journey, one that started with numerous medical setbacks. “When they were first born, it was a lot of work, a lot of struggles,” Amber Smith said. “Landon was born with a collapsed lung, so he had to have help breathing for several weeks. Lauren appeared fine, but upon a routine eye exam, they figured out that she had a stroke. “They told me she would never walk, that she may have severe learning disabilities. So, Lauren has to work extra hard, a little harder to learn things.” Amber said she didn’t tell her daughter about the complications at birth so she would always try her hardest. “I didn’t want her to use it as a crutch,” Amber Smith said. “I wanted her to think she could do anything she set her mind to doing. And it just pushed her to work extra hard because she had a twin that was exceeding at things, and she wanted to do just as well. “She pushed herself and overcame so many obstacles and that’s how she got to where she is today.” Richton High Principal Ben Bryan also has watched the twins thrive, having worked with them since seventh grade. “They’re model students and they’re model citizens,” Bryan said. “They’re driven, they’re dedicated, on and off the field, and in school.
it’s a pleasure to have students like this.”. While the Smith twins consider going their separate ways for college, one thing will remain the same: their unique bond as twins. “He’s like a built-in best friend.” Lauren Smith said. “He’s always there for me when I need him. It’s awesome.” In the fall, the Smiths may be attending separate schools for the first time ever. Lauren Smith will attend William Carey to become a nurse. Landon said he plans to study electrical engineering this fall, but is undecided about where he’ll go. Still, Landon Smith said no matter where he and his sister wind up, they always will share a bond. “You’ve always got somebody,” Landon Smith said. “You don’t have to worry about being the odd man out. We’ve always been together.” Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click [here](https://www.wdam.com/newsletter/) to subscribe to our newsletter. Copyright 2024 WDAM. All rights reserved.
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