In the name of service: three Reeses from Abington Heights earn military academy nominations

Sarah Hofius Hall, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 6—SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — Sometimes mistaken for triplets, three Abington Heights High School seniors have more in common than their last name.

Twins James and Gineva Reese and their friend, Gretchen Reese, received congressional nominations for military academies.

Inspired by military service in their families and motivated to make a difference, the South Abington Twp. residents hold great hope for the future.

"It's part of being something bigger than yourself," Gineva said. "It will really push me to be the best that I can."

The nominations by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, are:

Gineva, United States Naval Academy.

Gretchen, United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy.

James, United States Merchant Marine Academy and United States Naval Academy.

The nominations are a necessary part in the multi-step application process, and the students now wait to learn if they've been granted admission.

Gineva and James began at Abington Heights in 2020, settling in their father's hometown, after moving for the Navy for much of their lives. Their grandfather served as a chief petty officer in the Navy, and both of their parents served as naval officers.

The twins, 17, met Gretchen during their honors English class over Zoom. When the district went to a hybrid schedule — with students alternating between remote and in-person learning — the three were grouped together because of their last name.

They questioned whether they could be related, looked at family history but couldn't find a link, Gretchen, 18, said.

Still, people believed they could be triplets, especially given their desire to serve in the military. All three qualified for next month's national powerlifting championship and are members of the National Honor Society.

Gretchen, a member of the choir pursuing her Girl Scout Gold Award for organizing clean-ups of veterans' cemeteries, wants to study international relations. Inspired by the service of her father and uncle, she envisions a career of military service, possibly in law or with the State Department.

Gineva, a Chinchilla Hose Co. volunteer and member of the marching band and track and field team, wants a future in Naval aviation, either as a pilot, flight officer or navigator.

James, a pole vaulter who runs the school's television studio and will act in the school's production of "Annie" this spring, wants to study chemical engineering, working in aviation or as a nuclear propulsion officer on a submarine.

"This is something I knew I'd end up doing. There was never any doubt in my mind," he said. "It's something I've always looked forward to. It's a path I've been walking on my whole life."

The "triplets" are eager to learn where they will end up, which will hopefully be together.

"They can't keep the Reeses separated," Gineva said, laughing.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133; @hofiushallTT on Twitter.