Twins Trai and Gregg Harris are both participating in a challenging curriculum at Meadowdale High School, called International Baccalaureate.

The challenges it provides must be working as the seniors are currently ranked No. 1 and tied for No. 2 in their senior class.

International Baccalaureate is an internationally recognized program with a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and world studies. Its demands haven’t daunted the Harris twins, who have also managed to participate on the school’s football and track teams while excelling in academics.

Now seniors, Trai is first in the class and Gregg is tied for second.

“Studies are hard, but I prefer the small classes,” said Trai. “IB’s tough, but has a lot of benefits that outweigh the rigor.”

He admitted that he and his brother “are more stressed than other students, especially when football games were on weekdays and we didn’t get home until late and then had to study and do homework.”

Gregg observed that the program “is different than regular classes and really challenges us, but I like challenges. It’s about balancing your time, and IB teaches us that we’re students first.”

In addition to preparing students for academic work in colleges worldwide, the program requires community service, which both boys enjoy.

“We’re in the Goodwill mentoring program, do the CROP and MS walks, and help with fundraisers for the Cancer Society,” said Trai, who plans to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering after graduation.

“I really like the community service,” added Gregg, who’s made a short list of colleges, but is undecided on a major yet, although his favorite subjects are English and history. “We’re able to serve the community and it helps us build relationships with people.”

Through IB, the twins can earn college credits, but they won’t know how many until all of their essays, tests, reports and oral presentations have been completed, submitted and scored at sites around the world.

“To me, the experience of the program is enough,” says Gregg. “It’s broadened our perspectives and will make college a lot easier.”

Meadowdale currently has 29 IB students (juniors and seniors) and 67 pre-IB students (freshmen and sophomores). For more information, send an email to KMills@dps.k12.oh.us.