After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, two sisters have triumphed and are at the top of their graduating class at Boston Green Academy in Brighton.
God, family and academics are the three things Carmelissa and Marlie Norbrun value most.
"I'm the valedictorian of the class of 2017," said Carmelissa.
"I'm the salutatorian of the class of 2017," Marlie said.
The two grew up in Haiti with their parents and younger sister. They say they spent a lot of time with their grandparents because their mom and dad worked day in and day out.
The Norbruns witnessed violence and death after the earthquake, but despite it all, they're beating the odds.
"I have been able to get all A's in my classes thanks to Marlie," said Carmelissa.
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She has a 5.0 GPA that earned her a full scholarship to Gettysburg College to study biochemistry and molecular biology.
Marlie has earned a tuition scholarship to Union College in New York, where she'll study liberal arts.
"I'm feeling really grateful," said Marlie.
The sisters are inseparable.
"We go to school together. We do homework together. We do everything together," said Marlie.
One of their favorite teachers at Boston Green Academy is Krysta Betit who said the girls are some of the best students she's ever had.
"They're going to rule the world, both of them, side by side knocking it out of the park everyday," said Betit. "I can't imagine a situation they couldn't take."
Their lives changed after the earthquake turned parts of their country into rubble.
They say in the sadness they found motivation to live their lives to their fullest potential.
"I feel it's a great opportunity that I'm alive and breathing," said Marlie.
"I have to continue to live life for the people that were close to me that passed away," Carmelissa said.
After three years of trying to rebuild their family decided to make Boston home.
"Our motive for moving here was really in search for better educational opportunities," said Carmelissa.
As they part ways for the first time in their lives they said they're nervous but they'll always lean on each other.
"She's always there to support me," said Marlie. "We just always support each other."
