Proviso Press Release

MAYWOOD, IL —Proviso East High School seniors Jakayla and Jayla Hoover have achieved a remarkable milestone, each earning more than $1 million in college scholarship offers. The twin sisters credit their success to hard work, family support, and a shared drive to excel academically.

“Our parents and siblings have always inspired us to work hard,” Jakayla said. “Seeing their dedication pushed us to give our best.”

Jayla echoed her sister’s sentiments, emphasizing their strong work ethic. “We come from a family that values perseverance, so striving for excellence has always been second nature to us,” she said.

The journey to securing these scholarships was not without challenges. Transitioning back to in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, and managing their time efficiently were hurdles they had to overcome. Both sisters found that meticulous planning and family support were key to navigating these difficulties.

Jakayla and Jayla also leveraged their unique bond as twins to tackle the scholarship application process. “We divided the research, shared our findings, and helped each other identify the best opportunities,” Jakayla explained. Their collaborative approach paid off, as they received acceptance letters and scholarship packages from multiple universities.

The sisters have similar top college choices—Morgan State, Coppin State, and Norfolk State University—but plan to pursue different academic paths. Jayla aspires to study clinical psychology, focusing on mental health in underserved communities, while Jakayla intends to pursue elementary education with hopes of making a meaningful impact in school systems.

Though they remain open to attending the same university, they acknowledge that fate may lead them in different directions. “If it happens, it happens,” Jayla said. “Either way, we’ll always support each other.”

Reflecting on their journey, the twins expressed gratitude for the guidance of their school counselors and the resources that helped them secure scholarships. “We’re thankful for the people who pointed us in the right direction and encouraged us to apply,” Jakayla said.

For younger students hoping to follow in their footsteps, the twins offer simple but powerful advice: stay disciplined, seek support, and never hesitate to explore scholarship opportunities. “There’s so much out there,” Jayla said. “You just have to be willing to put in the effort.”

As they prepare for the next chapter of their academic careers, the Hoover sisters remain committed to their shared vision of success—whether side by side or miles apart.