Identical Twins Share Valedictorian Honors at Rollins College
Prior to commencement, Kate ’26 and Emma ’26 Salerno, twin valedictorians from Rollins College, visited FOX 35 Good Day Orlando for an in-studio interview about their accomplishments and what it's like to share a major, honors, and more.
By Jo Marie Hebeler
May 12, 2026
The twins reflected on their shared academic journey, explaining how their close relationship helped them excel both inside and outside the classroom. The sisters said they spend much of their time together at Rollins, sharing the same sorority, participating in many of the same campus organizations, and maintaining the same friend group. As students with the same major, they were also able to take several classes together, collaborate on group projects, and support one another through demanding coursework.
The interviewer noted that the sisters not only earned impressive academic records, but also graduated with identical GPAs. The students described their relationship as having a “built-in study buddy,” saying they constantly encouraged each other to stay motivated and strive for success. They explained that having someone with similar goals and experiences helped them remain focused throughout their college careers.
The sisters also discussed commencement, where seven students were named valedictorians. Although another valedictorian was selected to deliver the graduation speech, all seven students wrote speeches that will be archived by the college. When asked what advice they would offer students and parents, the sisters emphasized the importance of studying hard, setting clear goals, and staying focused on the bigger picture, even during difficult moments. They said maintaining long-term motivation was key to their success at Rollins College.
Recent Stories
June 01, 2026
Business Experts Discuss Budgeting in WalletHub
In two recent WalletHub financial education articles, Rollins College Business Department’s Associate Professor of Business Marc Sardy and Director of Business Advising Tres Loch contributed insights on budgeting fundamentals and strategies for managing personal finances.
May 27, 2026
Fetscherin and Marashi ’21 Publish Brand Perception Study
Business professor Marc Fetscherin and Rollins alumna and international business major Dafina Marashi ’21 have co-authored an article accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, a prestigious journal with an acceptance rate of only 12 percent.
May 27, 2026
Rollins Names 2026 Staff Award Winners
Rollins honors its 2026 Staff Award winners for outstanding service, mentorship, and community impact across campus.