Twins become high school’s first valedictorian, salutatorian

RICHTON, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) – A set of twins in Mississippi are making history as they prepare to walk across the stage at their high school graduation in May.

From school to sports, twins Lauren and Landon Smith have navigated life together for the last 18 years to 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,” 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 toward earning their respective titles.

“If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be up here,” salutatorian Landon Smith said. “It sucks to lose to her, but I’m proud of her. It’s an accomplishment.”

Their mom said the twins’ journeys started with several medical setbacks.

“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,” mom Amber Smith said.

She continued, “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 Smith 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.

“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 Smith said he plans to study electrical engineering this fall but is undecided about where he’ll go.