Twins Named Irvington High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Irvington, NY — Fraternal twins Sweta Narayan and Swati Narayan have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2016 of Irvington High School June 18.

The sisters said they’ve worked incredibly hard throughout their high school career, but were surprised to receive the school’s top honors, a district spokesman said.. They attributed their success to their ability to persevere through any challenge they may face, and thanked their parents for their unwavering support and encouragement to try new things. 

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But they said the healthy competition between them kept motivating them to work harder and set the bar higher for each other. 

“There has always been some friendly competition between us,” said Sweta Narayan, who is older by 13 minutes. 

“Both of us are in many of the same classes and do many of the same activities, so this competition is inevitable. Nevertheless, I do think that this competition has been constructive, as it has always motivated both of us to work harder and do better,” she said.

The sisters are both members of the Model U.N. and Latin Club and have completed extensive and challenging independent research as part of the school’s Science Research Program. 

Sweta Narayan has also performed with the high school’s pit orchestra, while Swati Narayan has performed with the high school’s chamber ensemble, which she founded. 

Outside of school, they’ve worked with children with special needs, volunteered at Phelps Memorial Hospital, taught themselves how to speak, read and write the ancient Indian language, called Sanskrit, and have been performing a classical Indian dance, called the Bharatanatyam, for more than 10 years. This past February, they took center stage in India where they performed Bharatanatyam. In addition, Sweta Narayan was named National Merit Scholarship finalist this spring. 

In the fall, Sweta Narayan will attend the University of Chicago where she plans on majoring in biology. Swati Narayan also plans on studying biology and will be attending Amherst College.

Photo caption: (from left) Twin sisters Sweta Narayan and Swati Narayan. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Irvington Union Free School District.