High school is known as a time to experiment, discovery and self-evaluation. While during these four years some people find themselves heading down the wrong path, others are setting foot on the right one.

For seniors and identical twin sisters Larissa and Nichole Norton, high school has caused a change for the better.

“We used to be immature and mean,” Larissa said. “But we’ve grown up over the years and have changed a lot.”

Back in middle school, the sisters struggled with their relationships. With five sisters total, the Norton twins withdrew into a shy, unsocial role. However, opportunity for school activities encouraged the sisters to become more involved.

Both Larissa and Nichole participate in Upward Bound, YoungLife, Campaigners, swimming and track and field. They said their involvement has contributed to their attitude change.

“Getting involved has helped us get to know more people,” Nichole said. “We’ve made more friends and our relationships with people have grown stronger.”

Counseling center secretary Gloria Spillman agreed.

“When they first got here they were very shy, but over time they have become more involved and much more social,” Spillman said. “They have grown into great young ladies.”

Security officer Todd Tardie has also seen this change at both school and YoungLife.

“I have really seen them break out of their shell and become involved,” Tardie said. “They went to camp this past summer and that was when I could really see the change in them.”

He also said they made an effort to get closer to their sisters and friends.

“Over time they have worked on their relationships with their family and others around them,” Tardie said. “It has really made a difference.”

Having a twin can be more difficult than it seems. While Nichole is grateful to have someone to help her with her homework, both sisters agreed that it took time to develop different characters.

“It used to bother us that people got us mixed up,” Larissa said. “Throughout high school our personalities have changed, and we’re very different from each other now.”

Though the sisters have experienced many changes, they still appreciate the time they spent at MHS.

“High school has been a good experience,” Nichole said. “We’ve both grown up and part of that is because we’ve figured out what’s important in life.”

While the sisters said they believe that their relationships with others are important for their success, they also attribute it to the activities they have participated in.

“Getting involved was what impacted me the most,” Larissa said. “We will definitely remember and miss our relationships we made here in high school.”