Sister Act: New Castle’s Hood twins
share spots on the homecoming court
Written: Sep 30, 2011
 
By Joe Simon
New Castle News
As identical twins, it’s not hard to assume Kyrstin and Jordyn Hood have a lot in common.
Both have big, infectious smiles and long hair and are soft-spoken and friendly.
“Everywhere I go, she goes,” Kyrstin said. “We hang out with the same people, the same groups. She’s always right next to me.”
Jordyn will be there again today.
The New Castle High seniors are two of the 10 girls on homecoming court, picked by their fellow classmates, with one of the seven seniors to be named 2011 queen. The honor will be announced at halftime of tonight’s game against Montour at Taggart Stadium.
It’s been a wild ride for two 17-year-old sisters who said they were shocked to hear their names on the announcements when the candidates were declared. They both were in Joe Mancini’s math class when the news hit.
“I was jumping up and down — so excited,” Jordyn said. “I was very surprised. Really shocked.”
Kyrstin said almost the exact same thing about her reaction. Since both compete in the long jump for the Lady ’Canes track and field team, they probably got pretty good height on those jumps.
Track is one of the many areas of life when the two are together. They play softball — Jordyn in center field and Kyrstin in left — and they’re both cheerleaders. Today, they’ll be walking right after one another for the homecoming presentation. It’s an honor they’re equally proud of, moreso because of why they feel they’ve been chosen.
Looking and sometimes dressing alike is one thing, but Jordyn and Kyrstin possess similar outlooks on how they treat people.
“I was raised to be friends with everyone, no matter where they come from or what they’re wearing,” Kyrstin said. “I was brought up to like everyone for who they are.”
Jordyn, who’s five minutes younger, said she holds the same values, and added that if she had to guess why she made homecoming court, she would point to her attitude.
“Because I get along with everyone, and I don’t give anyone any problems,” she said. “I’m a nice girl. Usually, some girls are snobby and only talk to certain people, and I get along with everybody.”
The two said the philosophy stems from their upbringing. Their mother, Millicent, and father, Christopher, made sure to instill those morals. They just didn’t realize how busy it would make them.
Millicent said their youngest daughter, Allyson, also is attending homecoming. That equals out to a lot of clothing — expensive clothing, too. Kyrstin and Jordyn each received new suits for today’s event, and then there’s the dresses for the actual dance, not to mention, shoes, purses, jewelry and dinner.
Millicent said she never considered having Kyrstin or Jordyn help with the cost — for one main reason.
“The way I think, their high school years are their high school years,” Millicent said. “It’s their time for school, functions and everything. They’re going to jump into the real deal of life soon enough. I want them to enjoy their school years because once they’re gone, they’re never coming back, and they have life to deal with forever.”
Millicent has an older daughter, Taylore Threats, 20, and a son, Stephen, 21, so she’s used to the chaos.
“I’m kind of a veteran,” said Millicent, a 1986 Shenango graduate, with a laugh. “I deserve a medal — a cookie, a doughnut, something.”
Maybe one of her daughters will bring her a crown in the near future.
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