In a remarkable display of academic prowess, fraternal twins Megan and Abby Bassininsky graduated from Blue Mountain High School in Pennsylvania, with Abby taking the title of valedictorian and Megan as salutatorian. The final difference in their GPAs was a mere 0.003 points, highlighting the intensity of their academic journeys.
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Megan had held the top spot in her class since the school reinstated rankings in her junior year. Throughout most of their high school tenure, she was viewed as the frontrunner for the valedictorian title, only for her sister to surge ahead right at the final reckoning. “I was definitely a little disappointed,” Megan, now 18, admitted in an interview with PEOPLE. “But I didn’t really care too much as long as Abby and I were still top two.”
The close contest came to a dramatic conclusion at the close of senior year when final grades were calculated. Megan reflected on the tight race, explaining that throughout the second semester, she had been leading Abby by just 0.001 points. Both twins maintained an impressive average of “100 in every class but one”, but Megan speculated that the deciding factor for the rankings came down to the specifics of their Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Megan described how the extra credit weight from Abby’s AP Biology course, which included an additional lab period, ultimately gave her sister the edge she needed to claim the top position. “AP Bio gave her extra GPA weighting since it included an extra period of lab, while AP Art History was just one period,” she noted. Abby clarified her choice of studies, acknowledging the disparity in their preferences. “I love Bio and would’ve struggled in Art History,” she said, adding that while Megan may not have found Biology challenging, “Art History was more her speed.”
When Abby received the news of her valedictorian status, her emotions were mixed. “I was happy that I was valedictorian, but also a little sad,” she confessed. Throughout their school years, Megan had consistently been ranked first, and Abby felt a twinge of guilt for overtaking her sister at the last moment.
Despite the competitive nature of class rankings, both sisters emphasised that their relationship was predominantly collaborative. Abby stated that the presence of her sister motivated her; it was challenging to become complacent when Megan was always around, studying hard for their shared exams. “Absolutely,” Abby declared in response to whether Megan pushed her to work harder. “It’s hard to be able to curl up in bed and watch TV when you can see your sister studying for a test you both have.”
Megan echoed this sentiment, explaining that rather than viewing Abby as a rival, she regarded her sister as a source of motivation. “If she could achieve something through hard work and dedication, so could I,” she said. Her intent was never to surpass Abby but rather to match her success.
Looking ahead, both twins have plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this autumn. Abby will pursue a degree in biological sciences with aspirations of becoming an obstetrician-gynaecologist, while Megan aims to study actuarial science through the Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. While their subjects differ, Megan expressed her happiness and relief that they will be starting this new chapter of their lives side by side. “It will be nice to have Abby in the same college,” she explained. “I’m excited for us both to succeed and experience a Big Ten atmosphere.”
The emotional moments were not lost on Megan during Abby’s valedictorian speech, which stirred her pride as a sister. “I won’t even lie, I cried a little bit during her speech,” she recalled. “Not because of the content of the speech, but because she’s my sister and I was just so proud of her.” This reflection illustrates their close bond and mutual support throughout their academic challenges.
In a time often marked by competition among peers, the Bassininsky sisters exemplify how collaboration and shared goals can pave the way for success. Their journey highlights the power of familial support in achieving academic excellence, demonstrating that a strong sibling bond can make all the difference in one’s educational pursuits. As they embark on their respective paths at university, both Megan and Abby carry with them not only a remarkable achievement but also a deep-rooted sense of pride in one another.