The Stanley twins, Hannah and Kendall, have taken their local news by storm with their recent show of dedication and intellect by graduating at the top of their class of 63 students from Winona High School as Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively. When asked about their motivation to achieve such a feat, what drove them to see it through, both cited friendly competition as their main push.
“Our whole class is kinda competitive,” Kendall stated, “When it comes to grades, we’ll all talk about it and try to beat each other.”
“All of us are, like, really close and average at everything, so, if we’re not competing in athletics, all of us together, then we’re competing in grades,” Hannah explained. “Everybody will ask everybody ‘What did you make on that test?’ And whoever made the top grade will have bragging rights for a couple days.”
Their mother, Leanne Woodall, expressed her pride in her children’s accomplishments stating, “They really did work hard. They got really upset if they didn’t do well, and doing well for them was A’s. It was something that they really pushed themselves to do.”
The sisterly competition between the two seemingly only stops at their favorite subjects in school, as Hannah’s favorite subject of English is Kendall’s least favorite subject, as she prefers math over anything English related. The two were both heavily involved in school activities, having been in cheer, band, and soccer to name a few. Currently, they are spending their summer swimming, hanging out with friends, playing tennis, and anticipating beginning their freshman year at college.
The two are both very excited to begin the next chapter of their lives, though separately, at their choice colleges. Kendall enthusiastically explained her plans to attend “The W”, or the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, with aspirations of pursuing a degree and eventually a career in nursing. She is considering taking the degree further and becoming a nurse anesthetist, a specialized role in nursing which cares for patients by administering pain medication during and after surgeries. Hannah is looking forward to going to Holmes Community College in Goodman to study social work and sociology. After her sophomore year, she is planning to transfer to Mississippi College in Clinton as a junior to continue her education.
Both are ecstatic to begin their “college experience,” explaining that they are looking forward to moving out on their own and meeting new people on their respective campuses.
Hannah explained, “Now I get to go and be off by myself.”
“I’m really looking forward to getting a degree so I can start working,” Kendall spoke on the subject. “I am ready to make new friends and not be known as a twin. I want to go make new friends, see what happens, join clubs, and all of that.”
Hannah stated that she is most excited about the individualized and specialized learning style that college has to offer, where she will be able to specifically focus on her interests. Kendall is ready to meet new people outside of the small town lifestyle where everyone grew up together and experience new things. Both are looking forward to becoming involved on campus by exploring the clubs and teams the schools have to offer. Both also expressed nervousness and a bit of sadness over leaving the familiar faces and scenery they had grown used to at their shared high school, but they are excited to embark on a future apart where they can mold their own identities separate from being known as “The Twins.”
