CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY TWIN SISTERS NAMED VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN
Cheyney University, the nation’s first HBCU, is celebrating a remarkable academic achievement from within its Honors Academy: twin sisters Tia Criss and Jasmin Criss have earned the distinction of valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2026. Tia Criss, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA, was named valedictorian, while her twin sister, Jasmin Criss, earned the title of salutatorian with an outstanding 3.9 cumulative GPA. Both sisters were active members of the Cheyney University Honors Academy and distinguished themselves through
academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Jasmin participated in leadership and professional development opportunities through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, including the prestigious Leadership Institute. Their involvement reflected a shared commitment to scholarship, personal growth, and community impact. This fall, the sisters will continue their academic journeys together at West Chester University, where both will pursue Master of Business Administration degrees as they prepare for the next chapter of their professional careers.
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the sisters are proud graduates of Philadelphia High School for Girls, one of the nation’s oldest and most highly selective public college preparatory schools for young women. Their educational foundation helped shape the discipline, academic drive, and leadership qualities that would later define their success at Cheyney University.
In addition to their impressive academic accomplishments, Tia and
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