By JARED ORZOLEK

orzolek@crescent-news.com

HOLGATE -- Twins Elizabeth and Rebecca Giesige haven't been separated by much during their first 18 years.

Separated by three minutes at birth, the pair of Holgate High School seniors will graduate as valedictorian and salutatorian later this month thanks to grade-point averages (GPA) divided by the slimmest of margins.

Known as Beth and Becca, the twins are the daughters of Nick and Julie Giesige of rural Holgate. Elizabeth, who will graduate as the top student in her class, has a GPA of 3.976. Rebecca, the number two student in the senior class, has a GPA of 3.97.

"We got the same amount of B's, but Beth's 4.0 scale averaged out higher. We are pretty close," said Rebecca.

The twins' path to academic excellence began at a young age.

They said they used to challenge each other in elementary school to see who could finish their homework first.

"Now we help each other study for things. We take different classes at different times of the day," Elizabeth said.

Mrs. Giesige said her daughters have received an excellent education in the Holgate Local Schools system, adding that the family places an emphasis on the completion of homework before free time.

"The Holgate teachers have always been there for my kids. When they needed help they were right there for them," she said. "I can't say enough about the fine teachers that Holgate has. They are a totally awesome group."

The twins were involved in many of the same extracurricular activities during high school.

Both participated in basketball, volleyball, softball, student council and National Honor Society. They also participate in the youth group at Emmanuel Christian Church, New Bavaria.

The Giesiges have many fond basketball memories, which start with family pick-up games.

"We have always played basketball. Since we were young, our dad played with us all the time," Rebecca said.

The twins have received some bumps and bruises on the basketball court, but are now able to laugh about the injuries.

"Whenever Beth would get hurt it was me who did it to her," Rebecca joked.

Elizabeth suffered a broken wrist in fifth grade when Rebecca ran into her and broke her ankle in first grade when her sister fell on her.

Rebecca also suffered two knee injuries during high school, but was able to recover in time to play the last six games of her senior year with her twin sister.

"It was cool to have her come back and play," Elizabeth said.

Despite the array of similar interests, the twins also enjoy some different pastimes.

Rebecca enjoys art and has won several awards for her creations.

"I enjoy it. I like watercolor painting and acrylic painting," Rebecca said.

Elizabeth is involved in the band at Holgate, playing the baritone, which is a small tuba-like instrument.

"I enjoy playing. I've been in band since fifth grade," Elizabeth said.

Graduation at Holgate High School is set for May 25, but the twins are already planning for their future after high school.

Rebecca plans to attend Rhodes State College in Lima to pursue an associate's degree as a physical therapy assistant. She plans to continue her education at the University of Findlay to become a licensed physical therapist.

"I know what physical therapy is because of my knee surgeries. There is always going to be a need in the medical field," Rebecca said.

Elizabeth plans to attend Defiance College in the fall to work toward her degree in nursing, through a collaborative program with Northwest State Community College.

"There is a big need for nurses. I have job-shadowed nurses and it really interested me," Elizabeth said.

The twins cite their parents among the mentors who have helped make their high school experiences a success.

"They really pushed us since we were little. They stressed working hard and doing your best," Elizabeth said.

The sisters also recognized high school basketball coach Jim Niese and softball and volleyball coach Christine Yenser as mentors.

The Giesige twins have an older sister, Cassie, who is a sophomore at Ohio State University, and a younger brother, Jeff, a sophomore at Holgate High School who plans to attend Four County Career Center in the fall.