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Escambia County’s valedictorian and salutatorian earned more than $1 million each in scholarships, school officials announced during Class Day 2021 on May 14.

Madison and Mia Simmons, twin sisters, said it took a lot of har work and determination to accomplish their feat.

Madison is the valedictorian and Mia is the salutatorian.

“It definitely took a lot of sacrifice and not going to every event and studying,” Madison said. “Just being together, it’s helped us.”

Madison, who was born about 1 minute before Mia, finished with a 3.97 grade point average (GPA). Mia finished with a 3.95 GPA.

Both have been involved in many organizations at ECHS, including Peer Helpers, as Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Stars, the National Honor Society, FFA and Student Government Association. Madison has also participated in band, and Mia was in HOSA, along with TRIO.

Both said they got their hard work ethic from their parents, Alvin and Jacqueline Simmons.

This fall, Madison and Mia will continue their studies at Tuskeegee Unversity, where they’ll major in chemical engineering and nursing, respectively.