Sometimes your biggest competition isn’t that far away. On Tuesday, May 5, the administration of Chaminade High School announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2026 as brothers John and Joseph Gomes respectively. John and Joseph Gomes are from Hewlett, New York, and will serve as Chaminade’s first valedictorian and salutatorian speakers who are twin brothers. 

“I have been part of the Chaminade community for 30 years. In all that time, I have never seen anything quite like this,” reflect Robert Paul ’92. “John and Joseph Gomes have finished first and second in their class — brothers, competitors, and each other’s greatest supporters — and in that way, they are a perfect reflection of the Class of 2026: a class defined by its curiosity, character, and care for one another. Their shared love of learning is exactly what a Chaminade education is meant to cultivate. As their principal, I could not be prouder. As an alumnus, I am in awe.”

“Over the course of our four years, we have shared so many of our experiences at Chaminade together,” reflects John. “Of course, we are our own individuals, but for both of us to conclude our time on stage next to each other, as brothers, as twins, as Chaminade Men, will truly be a special moment in our lives.” Both in their academics and extracurriculars, John and Joseph share a desire to learn and support their community. John and Joseph have shared experiences outside the classroom together as well, participating in clubs such as Sodality, Business Club, Social Studies Club, and Culinary Club. 

“I think the Chaminade experience is very valuable and important for all the men we are proud to soon have as fellow graduates,” says Joseph. “There is a special treatment to tradition at Chaminade that is different from other schools. We have supported each other over the last four years, and are excited to see how that support translates into the next chapter of our lives.”

As twins, John and Joseph admitted a natural academic competitiveness that has motivated their studies across some of the more rigorous programs offered under Chaminade’s AP course offerings. Even in light of that competitive nature, John and Joseph are incredibly humbled to be able to share the commencement stage together, where they will speak on behalf and to their graduating cohort. 

“It is quite overwhelming to process the joy of this moment, seeing both of our sons applauded and recognized in this way by an institution like Chaminade that truly is one of a kind,” states Mrs. Barbara Gomes, mother of John and Joseph. “They are so out-going, rooted in faith, and complementary towards one another as brothers. We are so very proud of their shared and individual accomplishments!” 

Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81, president of Chaminade, categorizes John and Joseph’s confirmation as valedictorian and salutatorian as a true marker of Chaminade’s mission. “Joseph and John Gomes exemplify the pursuit of excellence that defines Chaminade. Their historic achievement as our first twin salutatorian and valedictorian is a proud moment for our entire school community.” 

“The thing I remember the most over my time at Chaminade is the community, the friendships forged, the connections that have carried us through the good and challenging times,” reflects John. “Chaminade is uniquely rooted in communal bonds, aside from the academic width of its program.”

“There has been so much support for us at all the stages of our journey here at Chaminade,” continues Joseph. “We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to end our time as students the same way we lived through it, together.” 

“John and Joseph have always been extremely supportive of one another since they were little children,” reflects their father Dr. John Gomes. “They have spent their whole lives together, and yet they are individuals with their personalities who, I know, are set up for success in their future schooling. The teachers have been beyond supportive, grounded in an expansive faith-based aesthetic, nurturing that integrity formation we have always hoped for in our sons.”

The Chaminade community looks forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 for its many achievements. John and Joseph Gomes will both attend Brown University in the fall. John will study international public affairs while Joseph will enter the environmental engineering program. Chaminade’s 95th commencement exercises will take place in early June.