From nursery rhymes to Shakespearean plays, the “rule of three” (in latin- “omne trium perfectum”) has always suggested that things that come in threes are of inherently marvelous quality. This rule makes no exception for siblings, as illustrated by the Mesco family.

Mikhal, Mak and Aisha, all one year apart and new to Ashland High School this year, have adjusted wonderfully from being homeschooled in L.A. to attending a public school in Ashland. The transition was “surprisingly easy,” says Mak, a sophomore. Aisha, the youngest of the bunch, mentioned that they were exposed to a high school environment through their homeschooling program. They were enrolled in college courses – while still being homeschooled, and that revealed the oh-so-exciting standard classes many students in a public school experience today. Additionally, they’re a very lively and close knit family; despite their busy schedules filled with ballet and baseball, they manage to spend time with each other and get along, except when they all have to do different homework in the same space. “We all get annoyed with each other when we’re trying to do homework. My brother has a question for his algebra class, and I’m like ‘Mikhal! I’m trying to think about this English paper!’” Laughs Aisha. “I bully them more than they bully me.” All of their humor and teasing, however, is good-natured.

When asked about any “sibling perks” while being in school together, their faces lit up. “Oh yeah. I mean, my brother and I are taking a lot of the same classes just different periods and we have the same homework a lot of the time,” Mak notes. The red/white day system at Ashland High is truly a blessing in their eyes, since they can help each other.

The Mescos are so affable with one another, that when questioned about their relationship after high school, they paused. “I don’t know,” Says Mikhal, the oldest. “[Aisha is] the one who’s going to change the most because [she’s] younger.” They’ve already experienced separation from another sibling, they have a half-brother who lives in LA and it’s “weird enough” not having him around. However, they all noted that their relationship with him has stayed intact and strong. When Mikhal, a junior, leaves in a little over a year, Aisha somberly stated that it would just be her and Mak holding down the fort. But for the rest of this year and the ones following, make sure to scout out Aisha, Mak and Mikhal on the quad and say hello to this spirited bunch of siblings here at AHS.

High school is four years of new experiences being thrust upon you while you try to find yourself. For the Westricks, three siblings who attend Ashland High school, they’re struggling together. Alex Westrick, a senior, is the oldest of the bunch. She partakes in swimming and water polo, as well as many AP classes. Eli Westrick, a junior, is the middle child. Eli exceeds in baseball and school, and enjoys showing off his skills in the kitchen for family dinners (pasta is the favorite). Lastly, Ninth-grader, Sam Westrick, is the youngest, which is how she earned the nickname “Mini-Westrick” from her siblings’ friends.

Throughout their interview, these siblings could not contain their bursts of laughter. From teasing, to secret handshakes, to nicknames, these sibs show their closeness, as well as their familiarity with one another. Sam laughs, “Sometimes Alex will see me in the hallway, call me a name, and then walk away. It’s just how we work I guess.” While they do argue, like all siblings, Alex says, “We actually get along really well, even though we don’t see each other a lot during school. Most of the time I don’t even recognize Eli on the quad.” More laughter escapes and Eli chimes in, “Yeah, we all do our own things, so at the end of the day we like to spend time with each other.” When asked what they do, they shrug in unison, “Not much. Most of the time I just come into their rooms and bug them for a while,” Alex jokes.

Between the three of them, there are also some conveniences to attending the same school. They can commute in Alex’s car, share textbooks for classes, and help each other with homework. “It’s definitely helpfully having the same classes as Alex. We can study for tests together and work together on homework”, says Eli. They admit that sharing notes and study tips with one another is one of the best perks. As for Sam, her older siblings have already taken the classes she’s taking, so it makes helping her a breeze for Eli and Alex.

Overall the Westricks are a close-knit bunch who share their love for one another in many ways. From late night movies, to dinners and long talks, these siblings make it clear that no matter what, they will always stay in touch. They say that even though geographically they won’t stay together after high school, they know that they’ll find ways to stay close. As the interview concluded and the trio headed back to class, their laughter continued to echo through the halls.