Both are on the Rye High School Girls Lacrosse team, which lost in the sectional quarterfinals this past Monday, May 21 in a hard-fought battle against higher-ranked Yorktown.
But lacrosse is not their only talent. The twins have been dancing for the Rye School of Dance (RSOD) since they were in kindergarten. With RSOD's performing group, they have performed at nursing homes, preschools, and elementary schools throughout Rye.
Avery, the older twin by one minute, is a skilled field hockey player who helped top-ranked Rye reach the section finals every year during her four year tenure on the team.
She co-founded the fundraising event, Cover the Court with Coins, which raises awareness for pediatric cancer and collects money to donate to charity. The second annual event was held Saturday, May 21, at the Rye Recreation tennis courts. Last year, her efforts helped raise $3,000.
Julia, an avid runner, was on Rye High School's Cross Country team and has participated in multiple races including the Rye Derby and a half-marathon. In both races, she finished first in her age group. "I love running, listening to music, and being outside. It's therapeutic for me," she said.
The "younger" twin is also a member of the the Rye High School Awards Assembly committee. And, she won a grade-wide contest to deliver a speech during graduation on June 18. As part of what she plans to communicate to her fellow classmates, she told Daily Voice: "As we move on from high school, there will be so many new opportunities, and I want everyone to know that they all have something to offer."
So what's it like living in the Stern household? Both girls said they feel competitive with one another, which has always spurred them to try their best in every endeavor. "I think the competition helps me strive to be better because I’m not that competitive as a person, but she [Julia] is, so I’m forced to compete with her," Avery admitted.
Next year, the two will be headed to separate, high-caliber colleges: Julia to Bucknell University and Avery to Trinity College.
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