Gwinnett County

Double the success: Meet Gwinnett County twins graduating at top of their class

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — High school seniors Alice and Bill Ao are fraternal twins. One might think they are alike in so many ways.

“We’re so different. I would say we’re more different than we’re alike, actually” Alice said.

“In my opinion, I think, me and my sister, we have different personalities,” Bill said.

Bill is laid back. Alice is more in control. But they do have this in common: they will graduate at the top of their class this weekend.

“My name is Alice Ao. I’m the valedictorian at Peachtree Ridge High School.”

"My name is Bill Ao, and I'm the salutatorian at Peachtree Ridge High School."

CELEBRATING CLASS OF 2020:

The twins finished No. 1 and No. 2 in the scholastic race at Peachtree Ridge High School, which will hold a virtual graduation Saturday.

Both had 4.0 GPAs, but the school uses a 100 point system. Bill had a score of 102.5. Alice finished ahead with a score of 104.5.

Bill admits he goofed off a bit his freshman year - but the end result would have been the same.

“She rarely got any grade that wasn’t 100. So, she would have definitely beaten me," he said.

Their parents couldn’t be prouder that both of their children are at the top of their class.

“It’s really cool and really unexpected. We can’t believe it. We just feel so lucky and fortunate,” Alice said.

“The secret to our success is that we’re so collaborative. We really worked together and helped each other throughout the crazy process that’s high school.”

Another thing that’s the same about Alice and Bill is that they will both attend Ivy League schools next year. But it still will be different: Bill is going to Princeton. Alice is heading for Yale as one of the 161 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars.