4 sets of twins in Arlington Heights separating after 8 years
When we last checked three years ago, St. James School in Arlington Heights had six sets of twins in one grade, and it presented an interesting challenge for the school, but one they didn't take lightly.
Teachers then said the twins ramped up the energy and often were competitive with one another, and that friendly rivalry transferred to the entire class.
Flash forward and four sets of those twins still remain at the school and are graduating on Saturday.
Not only have they grown up physically, but they are facing separation as they head to different high schools, grateful for the nurturing environment at St. James, where everyone knew them.
The graduating twins are: Lucas and Matthew Lisowsky of Hoffman Estates, who will be attending Fremd High School; Erin and Meghan Martin of Arlington Heights, who will be heading to St. Viator High School; Adam and Matthew Mysza of Arlington Heights, who will be attending Hersey High School; and Isabella and Gabriella Venturini of Mount Prospect, who also are headed to St. Viator.
Even without the other two sets, the twins still make up nearly one-third of the class of 29 graduates.
"Having so many twins in one grade certainly is interesting," says Mary Esquivel, one of the eighth-grade homeroom teachers. "The grade is such a high-energy group to begin with, but adding the dynamics of twins takes it up a notch.
"They always have a partner to back them up and share the experiences of the school year," Esquivel says, "but the best part is that they are all so hardworking, but also so optimistic and fun-loving."
The twins agree.
"We all get along; we're all close," Meghan Martin says. "Everywhere I turn, there's usually a twin."
That all changes, they conceded, when they head to much larger high schools, with the possibility of not being in any classes together.
"We're used to seeing each other in classes," Isabella Venturini said of her sister. "People usually think of us as one."
Ironically, we met on "Mismatched Day," which suited the twins just fine - even if they had to put on their uniforms for the photos.
Going forward, they expect to follow different paths.
Matthew Lisowsky said he will be following a computer animated design track at Fremd, while his brother, Lucas, will be on a business track.
Erin Martin described herself as the more artsy of the two, consequently she hopes to take multiple art classes at St. Viator, while her sister, Meghan, will express herself in sports.
The Mysza twins will branch out even before school starts, with Matthew attending football camp at Hersey this summer and Adam heading to soccer camp.
The exception is the Venturini twins, who plan to be in many of the same classes at St. Viator, though Isabella chose to take an introductory theater class this fall without her sister.
Judy Pappas, principal, says having so many twins in one grade was more than a novelty, it was a responsibility.
"It was important for St. James to provide an atmosphere that respects the close nature of the bond twins have," Pappas said, "while encouraging them to develop themselves as individuals - academically, emotionally and spiritually."