Gianna and Tianna Tout-Puissant are identical twin sisters who have overcome many challenges in their lives. They were born more than two months prematurely and suffered from severe health issues as infants. Now, they are healthy 17-year-old athletes who have been accepted into Harvard University, one of the most prestigious and selective institutions in the world.
The sisters, who recently graduated from Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, have always been passionate about learning and helping others. They plan to major in chemistry on the pre-medicine track and pursue careers as surgeons. Gianna is interested in becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon or neurosurgeon, while Tianna is set on becoming a neurosurgeon for now. They are also hoping to join the Harvard women’s basketball team, as they have been playing the sport since they were four years old.
The twins attribute their success to their hard work, dedication and support from their family and teachers. They said getting into Harvard was a “surreal” experience that they shared with each other and their mother, Leah Tout-Puissant, who was overjoyed by the news. “To see them and how they’ve blossomed into the young women they are today, it’s like they’re miracle babies,” Leah said.
The twins are not only academically gifted, but also generous and compassionate. They often helped their classmates with chemistry problems and tutored younger students in math and science. They also volunteered at a local hospital and participated in various extracurricular activities, such as painting, ceramics, embroidery and piano.
The sisters have a close bond and consider each other as best friends. They do everything together and even share a room with bunk beds. However, they also have different personalities that complement each other. “I know this sounds cheesy, but we’re very yin and yang,” Tianna said. “She says this crazy idea, and then I’m like, ‘OK, let’s think about the pros and cons of this before we do it.’ And then she gets me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Gianna and Tianna Tout-Puissant are an inspiration to many people, especially young girls who aspire to pursue careers in STEM fields. They are among the 3.4% of applicants who were admitted to Harvard’s class of 2027 out of 56,937 candidates. They are also among the few Black students who attend the Ivy League school, which has been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusion.
The twins are excited to start their journey at Harvard in the fall and to meet new people who share their passion for learning and innovation. They are also looking forward to exploring new opportunities and challenges that will help them grow as individuals and future leaders.
“I think Harvard is going to be a place where we can really thrive,” Gianna said.
Khaliyah and Aaliyah White, twin sisters hailing from Philadelphia, also emerged as the number 1 and 2 students in their graduating class at GAMP High School, an incredible achievement that reflects their exceptional drive and motivation.
Despite facing numerous hardships along the way, Khaliyah graduated as the valedictorian, while Aaliyah earned the salutatorian title. Their success holds profound meaning as they attribute it to their late mother, who passed away the previous year. The twins expressed that their mother was proud of their accomplishments and supported them in all their endeavors, serving as an inspiration for their achievements.
In addition to their academic pursuits, Khaliyah and Aaliyah found time to engage in extracurricular activities. They actively participated in track and field events and showcased their talents in theater plays, displaying their versatility and dedication. Read more about Khaliyah and Aaliyah here.