HARMONY, Texas (KLTV) - Harmony High School twins William and Addison Young will represent the class of 2024 as the valedictorian and salutatorian - the highest academic achievements.
“Personally I feel very honored to be the salutatorian and my brother being the valedictorian because we both kind of worked really hard educationally,” said Addison.
William added, “Knowing that we put all that work in and we spent the extra hours, it just kind of feels rewarding.”
William moved to Harmony ISD from White Oak his eighth grade year. Then, Addison joined him freshman year. The two have always had a friendly sibling academic competition throughout High School, as one would earn highest GPA one year, and vice versa, pushing each other to be their best.
But that success wouldn’t be possible without the bond they’ve shared since they were young.
“We were just so close, and honestly I think it made it easier when I moved to this school,” said Addison, “Because I was able to kind of lean on my brother because it’s nice just always having someone there for you.”
“Growing up we’ve always just been best friends. She’s a built-in best friend. Whether she likes it or not, she’s stuck with me,” William said.
Both were also very active in their extra curricular activities, like sports, FFA, Student Council, and National Honors Society--activities that High School Principal Lonnie Henry has seen since their freshman year.
“They came in very mature to start with so just watching them grow and mature even more has been such a reward. Just two great kids. All about their school and all about their teams,” he said.
The two will walk the stage and earn their diplomas May 24.
“Honestly I feel like it’s just going to be a very memorable, like I’ll look back in probably ten years. If there’s anybody that I wanted to be ahead of me, ranked higher than me, it’s definitely only my brother. I wouldn’t want to be beat my anyone else,” said Addison.
William said, “I don’t know if I’d be here without her or my parents. And for many more students, if you’re willing to work hard, it’s just, however hard you want to work, you can achieve a lot of things.”
The Young twins will attend Arkansas University this fall. William plans to study business, go to law school, and one day work at his father’s law firm, Goudarzi and Young. Addison plans to study animal science in hopes to become a veterinarian.
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