'Push yourself. Never give up': Sisters both named valedictorian of their classes
Two sisters at two different high schools in Savannah, Georgia, were both awarded with one of the highest academic honors this year. They were both named valedictorian of their class.
Jazlyn Manthei and Shailyn Frazier share the same drive for success.
"We just want to see the best in each other," Manthei said.
Manthei was named valedictorian at Alfred E. Beach High School. Frazier was named valedictorian at Herschel V. Jenkins High School.
"She found out before me," Manthei said. "So we thought it was kind of weird, but I was just surprised and shocked."
Frazier said, "When I found out she was valedictorian, I was very proud of her."
Frazier and Manthei have always been hard workers.
"I barely relax. It's more-so studying and working and playing basketball," Frazier said.
"Yeah and I run cross country and track," Manthei added.
Both racked up various achievements during their four years in high school.
"My ninth grade year, I was JROTC princess," Manthei said. "This year, I was homecoming queen and valedictorian."
Frazier said, "I was top 10 all four years. I have that rookie of the year coaches award... I was defensive player of the year."
But their valedictorian status and work ethic aren't the only things the sisters have in common. They also share a passion for science and medicine, something they'll both be pursuing in college.
"I’m majoring in biology to become a pediatric cardiologist," Frazier said.
"I wanted to get into a good college and pursue a career that I want to be in, which is a pathologist," Manthei said.
As the sisters prepare for the next chapter in their lives, they hope to leave behind an important lesson for those younger than them.
"Push yourself. Never give up. Everyone faces obstacles, but you've got to keep pushing," Frazier said.
Manthei will be attending Georgia Southern University in the fall. Frazier will be attending Mercer University.