Twins occur in just 3 percent of live births in the U.S., according to the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Tradition is skewed this year at Canadian Valley Technology Center, where five sets of twins enrolled as high school juniors. This figure does not include students who might be a twin, but the other sibling is not enrolled.

Two sets are from the Amber-Pocasset area, while the other sets attend high school at either Chickasha, Minco or Rush Springs.

Twins Lane and Zane Sharpe, of Rush Springs, are both enrolled in CV Tech’s Precision Machining program. Bobby and Marian Shelton, of Chickasha, are both enrolled in Graphic Design.

Brooklyn Parnell is also enrolled in Graphic Design, but his brother, Brody, opted instead for Computer Information Systems. Juleta Ramirez, of Minco, is enrolled in Health Careers, while sister Uesenia is enrolled in Pre-Engineering.

That leaves just the sisters Teel, 16, of Pocasset. They both attend Amber-Pocasset High School.

Lexi Teel said she chose CV Tech to prepare for a career in the health industry. Sister Kari Teel said her passion for young children inspired her to learn more about them in the school’s Early Care and Education program.

Their paths still cross while at school, despite the separation of a few walls and hallways.

“I love that I get to see my sister while at CV Tech, but I’m also grateful we’ve chosen to take different career paths, allowing us to be more independent in the classroom,” said Lexi Teel.

The future includes more potential chance encounters. Following graduation, the two ladies both plan to pursue associate degree at nearby Redlands Community College in El Reno.

Lexi Teel plans to pursue pediatric nursing at Redlands and hopes to complete her education by enrolling in medical school at Oklahoma State University.

Conversely, Kari Teel plans to follow up her associate degree work at Oklahoma City University in pursuit of bachelor’s degree in Business. She wants to eventually own and operate a childcare center.

Both sisters agree enrolling at CV Tech was the right choice for them.

“It can really only help you choose which path you want to take, and it’s not a waste of time,” Lexi Teel said.

“Do it,” said Kari Teel. “It is the best decision you could make for your future.”

Health Careers and Early Care and Education are among 16 full-time program options at CV Tech’s Chickasha Campus. For more information, visit cvtech.edu or call the school at (405) 224-7220.