Twin sisters at Cheyney University, the oldest historically Black university in the country, are getting ready to graduate as valedictorian and salutatorian. Tia and Jasmin Criss will graduate on May 9, with Tia as the valedictorian and Jasmin as the salutatorian.

Tia, who is only three minutes older than Jasmine, said being named class valedictorian and salutatorian “just happened.”

“It’s sort of surreal,” Tia told CBS News Philadelphia. “We weren’t trying to achieve valedictorian or salutatorian — it just happened that way.”

“When they told us, we were shocked,” Jasmin added. “We didn’t know we were top contenders.”

The sisters, who love tennis and badminton, graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls. They said their parents always encouraged them to aim high.

“Tia and I weren’t sure of ourselves — weren’t sure we could do it,” Jasmin said. “I was happy they took a chance and saw potential in me.”

Authorities at Cheyney University are proud of the sisters. Associate Dean of Students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers said, “This is the product of working hard.”

“Dedication. You see that in the Criss twins. It is an amazing story,” Chambers added.

Tia looks to work in the insurance sector, where her mother is. “I like the analytical and risk assessment of it,” she said.

Jasmin has different interests. “My dream job would be something in marketing or fashion. I know she’s analytical, I’m more creative,” Jasmin said.

The sisters lost their father, Lynn Chriss III, in March, but they know he would be proud of their achievements, they said. 

The girls are now set to begin the MBA program at West Chester University in the fall following graduation.

Last May, twin sisters Carissa and Aissa Swope, who attended Stephenson High School, earned the top two spots of the school’s graduating class for 2025.

Aissa, just four minutes older than Carissa, was chosen salutatorian as Carissa narrowly beat her to become valedictorian.

“We’ve always been competitive, so it has been a race to the top, but not one and two, just the top 10 percent of the class,” Carissa said in a statement provided by the DeKalb County School District. “Now, I get to stand next to my sister, and we both get to give speeches. It’s a blessing and I’m really excited.”

The sisters, born to deaf parents, announced that year that they were on their way to Emory University.