San Diego County has recently announced the 25 Most Remarkable Teens of 2023-two of these being twin sisters, Stephanie and Samantha Morden (16). A selective competition, they were awarded for their perseverance in their life in and outside of school.
The sisters have been removed from their home twice throughout middle school and highschool and suffered from the loss of a parent and sibling, and the mental decline of the other parent. However, they have stayed strong during these hardships, with both currently taking 5 IB classes, maintaining above a 4.0 gpa, gaining leadership positions in the Academic Team, and being a part of the award winning Guajome Park Academy Orchestra.
Teens Talk San Diego sat down with them for an interview discussing their feelings on receiving the esteemed award, their current life happenings, their future, and more!
Teens Talk San Diego: First off, How does it feel to win this award?
Stephanie: Winning the award was really exciting and cool, like nobody from our school has done that before. But it was really scary as all the other people there had done all these amazing things.
Samantha: Yeah, it kinda felt like imposter syndrome with being surrounded by all these kids who have done great things.
Stephanie: But we are really proud of each other for winning this award, we really thought we wouldn’t.
Teens Talk San Diego: Has your guy’s relationship as sisters helped you through these times?
Stephanie: Yeah, we have leaned on each other a lot throughout our situations. I really think I wouldn't have been able to do it without her.
Samantha: Yeah, I call her my portable battery you know, because I can’t live without her. We really complete each other, like we are each other's other halves.
Teens Talk San Diego: Are there any special people in your life that helped you throughout all this?
Stephanie: Our teachers at our school have helped and supported us a lot, most especially Mr. Slack and Ms. Cox.
Samantha: We really have them to thank. Ms. Cox nominated us for the award and took us to the ceremony, and Mr. Slack has always been there and supported us whenever we needed anything.
Teens Talk San Diego: What are some current things going on with you guys right now?
Stephanie: We are both looking forward to the Academic Team season and getting to play again. We also really hope to start an Academic Team for the middle schoolers to get them involved.
Stephanie: I really love being in Academic team, it's like my baby and I love leading it.
Samantha: I really like having somewhere to be after school, and I love doing trivia and feeling smart.
Teens Talk San Diego: Lastly, Do you guys have any idea what your goals and plans are for after highschool?
Stephanie: I really want to go to school for Marine Biology, it's something I have been passionate about for a long time. My dream school in particular, would be UC Santa Barbara.
Samantha: I really hope to major in Engineering and go to Cal Poly or any of the UC’s!
In all, these sisters have not let the hardships they have experienced throughout their lives phase them. They have become leaders, active members of their communities, and people everyone should look up to. Stephanie and Samantha's strength and perseverance have led them to be the embodiment of not only a remarkable teen, but also remarkable people.
so awesome !!!
i know them 😆‼️‼️