MILWAUKEE — Receiving the title of valedictorian or salutatorian in high school takes a lot of hard work and is a major milestone for any student’s family.

This year Pius XI High School in Wauwatosa has a brother and sister team who are taking both titles home. They are not just siblings; they’re also twins.

Anna and Drew Miler are at the top of their high school graduating class. They are fraternal twins who say they don’t compete. Instead, they challenge each other to excel.

Anna Miler is Pius XI High School’s 2024 valedictorian. Next year, she’s headed to John’s Hopkins University to pursue a major in economics and join its swim team.

She said without her brother, her accomplishments wouldn’t be the same.

Anna Miler is Pius XI High School’s 2024 valedictorian. Next year, she’s headed to John’s Hopkins University to pursue a major in economics and join its swim team. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

“Being able to go through my high school years with a twin brother has really just pushed me to be my best person and really excel at the highest level,” she said.

Anna Miler said she and her brother have their own separate goals in life but share their high academic achievements.

“We did it together. I think if either of us weren’t here, neither of us would be in the top two spots,” said Anna Miler.

Drew Miler is the salutatorian. He’s attending the University of Minnesota next year to study aerospace engineering. His dream is to work for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Drew Milner said he and his sister motivate each other. 

Drew Miler is the 2024 salutatorian. He’s attending the University of Minnesota next year to study aerospace engineering. His dream is to work for NASA. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

“There’s always kind of that extra motivation to do well because she is doing well. I have to work hard because she’s working really hard,” he said. “I can’t really slack off because she doesn’t so, we are always kind of there as mutual motivators.”

Drew Miler said the bond between him and his sister is deep.

“There is something about basically growing up with a built-in best friend your entire life that really can’t be replicated by anything else,” he said.

Anna Miler said she loves sharing every milestone with her twin brother.

“I’ve had every birthday with him, I’m graduating with him, so it has just been really fun to go through all those important stages of life with him,” said Anna Miler.