Brainpower Runs in the Family: Celebrating Mensa Siblings on National Siblings Day

Some siblings share bedrooms, clothes or favorite video games. These siblings? They share an IQ level in the top two percent — and a whole lot of ambition.

This National Siblings Day, we’re spotlighting some of the brilliant duos making waves in the Young Mensan community. From scientific innovation to literary creativity and everything in between, these pairs prove that genius and good vibes can run in the family.

Keeran & Jash P., Dayton Area Mensa

Keeran, 16, and Jash, 14, are not just siblings — they’re science powerhouses. You might recognize them from their book recommendations in the winter 2024 issue of YM² or Jash’s story, “The Legend of the White-out,” published in fall 2022. But their talents don’t stop at the page.

Recently, both Keeran and Jash earned top scores in their regional Science Day competitions and are headed to state-level contests. Keeran engineered an ion drive (used for extended low-thrust, high-efficiency propulsion) and even created a computer simulation to explore its use in Earth’s atmosphere. He showcased his work at his high school’s STEMFest, where it was a hit.

Jash took a different approach. He built a home water distillation system using simple materials like tubing, silicone tape and a teapot. His goal? Making clean water more accessible in low-resource areas. That’s innovation with impact.

If that weren’t enough, the brothers and their family are heading to Greece this summer to broaden their global perspective. Keeran and Jash know that real intelligence comes with empathy — and travel teaches both. Their mother shared how Mensa has played a role in their development beyond academics:

“The ZooTeen program, where a fellow Mensan gave a Zoom meeting on their experience volunteering at the zoo and gave my boys guidance in how to apply — that was huge. There is great value in being able to publish articles with the online magazine and seeing their work in print, as well as having access to TeenSIG for the Presidential Award," she said.

"Volunteering has been a big deal for Keeran and Jash in learning communication skills and cultivating compassion for others. Being out there, helping, and growing through those experiences has given them more day-to-day confidence than any award they’ve earned."

Patrick and Mary K., Dayton Area Mensa

Patrick, 17, and Mary, 15, are students at Springboro High School in Ohio — and they’re as passionate about giving back as they are about learning. Both are active members of TeenSIG and the Mensa Honor Society, and they’ve each earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their commitment to helping others. Whether volunteering through school or church, or organizing service opportunities for their peers, they’ve embraced Mensa’s support of youth leadership and community involvement.

Patrick’s first big step with Mensa was entering a YM² contest about exoplanets — a perfect blend of his love for space and creative expression. For Mary, her Mensa journey began at the 2015 Annual Gathering in Louisville, Ky., where the whole family bonded over board games and a Richard Lederer presentation. They brought home his books and still laugh over his clever wordplay.

Last year, they competed together on Mensa’s CultureQuest: Next Generation team and recently enjoyed their first in-person CultureQuest experience, organized by their local Mensa friend Lexi. When they’re not reading, writing or volunteering, you’ll often find them at the game table strategizing and sharpening their skills together.

Mary is also a writer — her story “Chester,” about losing a pet and finding unexpected friendship, appeared in the fall 2022 issue of YM². Whether collaborating on projects or just rolling dice across the kitchen table, Patrick and Mary show that intelligence isn’t just about what you know — it’s how you grow together.

Many Young Mensans participate in the President’s Volunteer Service Award through TeenSIG, where Mensa acts as a certifying organization. Tracking service hours isn’t just about awards — it’s about building a better world, one act at a time. And for Young Mensans in grades 5-12, the Mensa Honor Societies recognize those who live out the ideals of integrity, curiosity, commitment, and service.

On National Siblings Day, we’re reminded that intelligence doesn’t grow in isolation — it thrives in connection. Whether they’re engineering new technologies, writing heartfelt stories or competing side by side, these Young Mensan siblings are proof that curiosity, creativity, and collaboration make for a powerful family tradition.