The Effingham County Board of Education recognized Brittany and Stephanie Deal for their efforts to make a difference in the community and the world.

“They not only share the same birthday they also share a heart for helping people,” Superintendent Randy Shearouse said. “These sisters, who started kindergarten at Rincon Elementary and are now seniors at ECHS, excel academically and are active in 4-H, student council and the Fellowship of Christian Students. But it’s their activities outside of school that make them stand out from their peers.”

 Shearouse said for several years the two have spent their spring break on weeklong mission trips, and they also participate in mission trips during their fall and summer breaks.

He said the sisters are “dedicated to serving others.”

“In fact when Brittany described an upcoming visit to the nursing home she said, ‘we get to go to the nursing home and paint finger nails,’” he said.

“When Stephanie returned home from a mission trip to Helen, she didn’t come home and crash on the couch — she and her friend Lauren
began immediately to form a middle school girls small group that has been meeting weekly for the past two years,” he said. “Stephanie said that she saw the need for the group after rooming with two middle school girls on the mission trip. She wanted to encourage and help prepare girls like them for the sometimes difficult transition to high school.”

Shearouse said he could go on about the commitment the two have made to their school, community and people they haven’t met.

“They’re a wonderful example of students who are making a difference in their high school, Effingham County and in our world. I’m proud to present ECHS seniors Brittany and Stephanie Deal as this month’s outstanding students,” he said.

“It’s great to have examples like you two young ladies in our school system. You really challenge us all to do more in our community and around the world because of what you have done at such a young age, and I commend you for your effort.”