‘The Fab Five’ Graduate High School

 

It was about this time last year that something major happened in the lives of Paige Pengilly, Cora Deinstmann, Morgan Twardoski, and Delani and Jaycie Clarke. The five best friends graduated high school.

They had been friends since the group first met when they started playing on the same traveling basketball team in 3^rd grade. At the time, the girls were divided between a few elementary schools, so most of the time they had together was spent playing basketball. Through the sport, the five girls created a strong bond as teammates.

Their friendship escalated further in 6^th grade when the girls all finally moved up to the same junior high, Horizon Middle School. Attending the same school, they were able to spend much more time together, their friendship growing stronger each year.

As the five continued through high school, each of the girls branched out and made their own friends outside of each other. They each joined different clubs, sports teams, etc. and made connections in those areas.

Pengilly and the Clarke sisters joined the softball team at Century High School. “I really liked all of the girls on the team, I became pretty good friends with a few of them,” Pengilly said. Delani Clarke recalled a similar experience, “I always had a lot of fun with my teammates,” she claimed.

Twardoski, on the other hand, spent a lot of her time in high school singing with the Century Celebration Jazz Choir. She quickly formed friendships with many of the individuals in the group.

However, no matter how much time passed or how many new connections each one made, the girls’ friendship remained strong.

When discussing her friendship with the girls, Pengilly made sure to stress one thing, “It doesn’t matter how much time passes in between seeing each other, we always pick up right where we left off,” she said.

“My mom calls us ‘The Fab Five,’” Delani Clarke added humorously.

When it came time to graduate the school they grew to love, excitement was surpassed by the fear of change. The girls were afraid their bond would grow weak due to their separation.

Deinstmann planned to attend the University of North Dakota, along with Pengilly. “When I found out Paige was also going to UND, I felt so relieved to know I would have at least one good friend there,” Deinstmann claimed.

Jaycie Clarke and Twardoski both planned to go to North Dakota State University and ended up becoming roommates. “Everyone says you shouldn’t room with one of your best friends, but we never had any issues,” Clarke claimed.

Delani Clarke ended up on her own at Valley City State University on a volleyball scholarship. “It was hard going off on my own, especially without my sister, but I knew it would make seeing everyone again that much better,” she said.

The girls’ graduation day was filled with many tears. Some happy, some not-so-much. It was a day surrounded by their proud families, teachers, and each other.

Lingering in each of their minds was the fear that their friendships would waiver through the years to come, along with the other countless changes that were unfolding. However, each girl knew deep down that wouldn’t be the case.

Their friendship had lasted for eight years and had never wavered. No amount of time or distance could ruin what they have. This is exactly what each girl thought as they wrapped their arms around each other and walked out with their diplomas in hand, ready to embrace whatever was coming next.

 

Paige Pengilly, Cora Deinstmann, Morgan Twardoski, Delani Clarke, and Jaycie Clarke leaving the arena after graduating.