Triplet accomplishments
The halls of Riverside High School will be a bit dimmer next fall, as three of the school’s brightest lights graduate this month.
Triplets Michael, David and Jennifer Watts have been a source of inspiration to students and faculty, alike. And despite being triplets, track coach Bill Kemp said, “If you didn’t know their last name, you wouldn’t know they’re related.”
In fact, the talented siblings are noted more because of their differences than their similarities. Two things they do have in common are stellar grade-point averages and an unshakable familial devotion.
Kemp said the siblings are very supportive of each other. Guidance counselor Brock Salzman agreed. “What stands out to me is how well they get along. After school they all wait to drive home together,” he said.
But the teens’ interests are distinct. David Watts, who has cerebral palsy, is a passionate advocate of wheelchair athletics and a dedicated scholar with a 4.0 grade-point average. Kemp said David Watts is an academic perfectionist who came to sports later than most kids and excelled in that as well.
For someone who came to sports late, David Watts made up for lost time. He’s competed in Bloomsday, Hoopfest and traveled to South Africa with Team St. Luke’s to participate in the World Junior Disability Championships. He was honored with a Chase Youth Award last year for his role in a proposal to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. He lobbied that wheelchair athletes be allowed to earn points for their schools at track meets.
In addition, he has been selected as a Washington State Scholar. “I enjoy business and marketing,” Watts said. “I’m going to attend Spokane Falls Community College for a couple years.” He said his siblings help each other out and work together, but they are looking forward to this new chapter in their lives. “I think change is good,” he said.
His brother, Michael Watts, plans to attend SFCC with him, so change is coming gradually for these siblings. Teachers describe Michael Watts as the quiet, reserved member of the trio, but he has found his own way to shine.
“Michael is an accomplished musician, who’s been acknowledged at the state level,” Riverside Principal John McCoy said.
“I play tenor and soprano sax,” Michael Watts said. His love of music also led him to a steady job. “I’ve been working at Hoffman Music for two years.”
Michael said he was never very interested in team sports like basketball or football, but in the eighth-grade he discovered tae kwon do. He’s earned a black belt and is part of an elite team that performs during halftime shows at local sporting events.
“I enjoy tae kwon do a lot,” he said. “It helped me gain confidence.” He’s looking forward to attending college with David, but Jennifer won’t be joining them. He laughed. “Jennifer does her own thing.”
Her own thing happens to be drama, and Jennifer Watts has been accepted by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Riverside drama teacher Donna Skoog said, “I’ve been here 22 years, and there’s never been a kid like Jennifer.” Skoog said Jennifer Watts understands literature, plays and playwrights. She has appeared in every Riverside drama production, many in the lead role.
When Jennifer Watts speaks about her passion for theater, her enthusiasm bubbles over. “You can explore so much as a character,” she said. “You can think outside your normal realm. I love acting.”
She works hard at her craft. The American Academy only accepts 130 freshman students each year. Watts had to prepare two audition pieces and travel to Seattle to perform them. Her effervescent personality sets her apart from her brothers.
“I’m the black sheep,” she said with a laugh. “My brothers are so practical. They love math. We straighten each other out.”
However, drama isn’t the only thing Jennifer Watts is known for. John McCoy said, “Her leadership skills are nearly unmatched.” Skoog agreed. “Her maturity level isn’t what you’d normally see in a high school student.”
Perhaps that’s why Watts said, “I’m ready for high school to be over.” When she talked about leaving home she admitted, “I’m scared. New York’s a long way away.”
But Skoog isn’t worried about her student. “She’s a fighter. You never see her flinch,” Skoog said.
As the triplets reflected on their years in school together, Michael Watts said, “The worst thing about being a triplet is sharing birthdays and Christmas, but the best thing is you’re never lonely. There’s always someone around.”
The siblings are confident their bond will endure their upcoming separation. “We’re all only a phone call away,” Jennifer Watts said.