Double the Fun: 16 Sets of Twins in USC’s Class of 2026

National Twin Day, celebrated each year on Dec. 18, recognizes the unique connection shared by twins. For 32 Upper St. Clair High School seniors, this date holds a special meaning. The Class of 2026 includes 16 sets of twins—making this year’s senior class truly one of a kind.

The senior twins include: Finnegan & Noah Baird, Gianna & Nico D'Orazio, Lucy & Samuel Dowds, Holt & Mika Eberhardt, Mia & Nico Galardini, Anand & Devesh Jani, Jacob & Olivia Leggat, Ethan & Isaac Lin, Aina & Airi Nagata, James & John Paradise, Carson & Cooper Rackley, Adriana & Andrea Rodriguez, Caden & Nolan Sarkett, Ella & Hannah Schlecker, Eleanor & Lillian Simons and Ella & John Unice.

“It’s pretty remarkable,” Brooke Tarcson, head of student activities, said. “You can walk through the halls and almost always spot at least one set of twins. It’s been a fun part of this class’s identity.”

With 16 sets of twins among 299 seniors, roughly one in every 10 members of the Class of 2026 is a twin.

“We’ve had years with multiple twins before,” Mrs. Tarcson said. “But this might be a record.”
 

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Growing Together – and Individually

Many of the twins shared how meaningful it has been to experience school side-by-side.

“Looking back on it, I am very grateful to have a sibling in school at the same time as me to share experiences, motivate each other, and someone always there to talk to,” Sam Dowds said.

At the same time, the twins appreciate opportunities to develop their own identities.

“We take part in different extracurriculars and have different interests that allow us to express ourselves separately,” Gianna D’Orazio said. “We support each other and get along very well. We do crossover in some activities and have a lot of the same friends, but those experiences have only made my high school experience more enjoyable.”

One of Gianna’s favorite memories is spending Friday nights under the lights with her twin, Nico.

“The way USC’s community and culture come together on Fridays is truly something special,” she said. “It was so cool to share the experience with Nico as he played football and I cheered him on as a member of the dance team.”

This year’s Homecoming made that connection even more meaningful: Gianna was crowned Homecoming Queen, and Nico recorded two interceptions to help lead the Panthers to a 50–14 victory over South Fayette.

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Shared Beginnings and New Paths

For many twins, having a built-in companion eased the transition into high school.

“My favorite memory was the first day of freshman year together,” Lily Simons said. “We were starting something new and big together and were both nervous. I think that moment brought us closer. Stay by each other – having a twin will be the best gift.”

Several twins have teamed up on the athletic field as well. Caden and Nolan Sarkett and Ella and John Unice represent the Panthers in track and cross country.

“We became veterans of the sport and are both highly successful athletes,” Caden said. “Being the No. 1 and No. 2 runners for a while felt like twin power.”

Others embraced their differences as a way to grow.

“I balance being known as a twin pair while also being myself at school by having different classes and playing different sports,” said Ella Schlecker. “Having different interests and hobbies from my twin really helps me be my own person.”

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Advice From Twins Who’ve Lived It

As they reflect on their shared journey, the twins offered advice for younger twins entering the high school experience.

“I would recommend taking similar classes while also trying out different things,” Caden Sarkett said. “That way you always have a study partner…but you’re also exposing yourself to unique experiences that contribute to personal development.”

“Stay together and be each other's support throughout high school,” Adriana Rodriguez said. “Having a twin is much easier than being alone, especially in the beginning.”

The Rackley twins are preparing for different futures—Cooper plans to play lacrosse at Canisius University, while Carson hopes to pursue a career as a firefighter.

“It’s rewarding to go through stages of life with a twin and celebrate each other’s accomplishments,” Carson said. “Stick together, navigate your battles as a duo, and cherish your laughs and hard times…because it flies by fast.”

Many agreed that even with normal sibling disagreements, their support for one another remains constant.

“Me and my sister have our own interests and friend groups, but we still find time to interact and support each other,” Holt Eberhardt said. “It’s okay to lean on them for help – they can be the strongest part of your support system.”

They also encourage balancing togetherness with independence.

“Make sure you find friends outside your twin,” Ellie Simons said, “but do not be afraid to keep including them because they are such an important person in your life.”

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Looking Ahead

The 16 sets of twins will graduate from Upper St. Clair High School on Thursday, June 4, 2026. For many, it will mark the first time they head in different directions.

“We haven’t spent more than a month apart,” Olivia and Jake Leggat said. “It will be something we will have to adjust to. It’s going to be weird not always having each other around.”

No matter where their paths lead, the twins agree on one thing: the bond they share – and the memories they created as Upper St. Clair Panthers – will last a lifetime.