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Family Stuns as Daughters are Crowned Valedictorian

by | Jun 24, 2024 | CST Articles | 0 comments

The status of high school valedictorian is an honor that many parents may be thrilled to see their child achieve — but what if all of your kids are successful in clinching the title?

A central Florida family may have made history after all four daughters were named valedictorian in their respective high school classes — a feat that’s reportedly a 1 in an 11 billion chance.

Tracey Rendina’s four girls all graduated from the same high school in different years and each one took home the coveted academic award.

Rendina said she and her husband, Mike Rendina, never put pressure on their daughters to achieve this goal.

The Rendina family’s first daughter, Makaley, was named valedictorian when she was a senior — and two years later, her sister, Alisa, achieved the same.

Again, two years after Alisa’s accomplishment, Taylor was named class valedictorian, which meant one daughter then remained.

“By the time we reached No. 4, and she knew that all of her sisters had been valedictorian, I do think she felt internally some pressure to do that as well,” Rendina said.

The mom said that she and her husband always wanted to make sure their kids knew that they were there for them, regardless of whether they experienced wins or failures.

Amid academic challenges and hurdles that her kids faced in school or in their extracurricular activities, Rendina wanted her kids to learn how to be resilient and fight back, she said.

Rendina said that as her youngest daughter neared the end of her high school career, she felt a great sense of “relief” when she was officially named valedictorian of her 2024 graduating class.

Even the older sisters felt a sense of relief, too, as they were well aware of how challenging that title is to achieve, the mom indicated.

“It’s like a win for one is a win for all.”

Rendina said she found that instilling a sense of independence and a strong work ethic played a role in helping all four of her girls find balance and success in school.

Tracey and Mike Rendina will soon be “empty nesters,” but they love seeing their daughters flourish through all stages of academia and beyond.

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bconnolly@livewell.org