Long Island Twin Brothers Sweep Top Graduation Honors at Chaminade High School

MINEOLA, NY — Achieving the top rank at Chaminade High School, a rigorous all-boys Catholic school on Long Island, is an elite accomplishment. For the Class of 2026, those honors are staying entirely within one family. Twin brothers John and Joseph Gomes have swept the top two academic spots, being named Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.

The margin between the two was razor-thin. John, who is older than Joseph by exactly one minute, finished with a staggering 99.42 average. Joseph followed just fractions of a point behind with a 99.29 average.

Support Over Sibling Rivalry

While the brothers spent four years competing for the top spot on the school’s honor roll board, they insist that the drive to succeed never turned into an unhealthy rivalry. Instead, they describe their relationship as a built-in motivation tool.

"It definitely fosters competition, but I don't think it's unhealthy competition per se," Joseph Gomes said. "I think everyone here kind of encourages each other and that's what's important."

John Gomes echoed that sentiment, emphasizing their bond. "It's more of a support system. We are there for each other because after all, before we were students, we’re twins."

A Challenging Path to the Top

Chaminade President Brother Tom Cleary noted that earning these titles requires more than just high test scores. Candidates must be "academically invested" and deeply involved in the school community. Both brothers took a heavy load of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including high-level Calculus and Physics.

Their parents, Dr. John and Barbara Gomes, say they never had to push the boys to study. "I don't think we ever had to tell them to do their homework," Barbara Gomes said. "No, they were always very driven, very focused."

Next Stop: The Ivy League

The brothers' academic journey together isn't ending at high school graduation. Both John and Joseph have been accepted to Brown University, which was the first choice for both.

While there is no guarantee they will be roommates in Providence, Rhode Island, their parents are relieved that the brothers will still have each other to lean on as they transition to the Ivy League this fall.

As they prepare to leave Long Island, the twins offered simple advice for the students following in their footsteps: maintain consistency, keep your motivation high, and give 100 percent effort to every part of life.

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