Best Friends and Classmates, the van Gelder Triplets Find Inspiration in Sisterhood

ST. PETERSBURG - Triplets Stephanie, Brittany and Jennifer van Gelder have very different interests and goals in life. But there's one sure thing that the Shorecrest Prep School seniors share: Their friendship.

Not surprisingly, the 17-year-old sisters say their greatest inspiration is each other. "They motivate me to always try my hardest," explains Brittany, who wants to be an engineer.

"They give me the strength to follow my dreams and never give up," adds Jennifer, whose original play, "One Summer," was just honored by Gorilla Theatre in Tampa.

"Together, I know we can accomplish anything," explains Stephanie, who describes herself as both the "girlie" girl and organizer of the three.

The high-achieving sisters rely on each other for help, comfort and advice. Friends and dates need three stamps of approval before having a chance with one of the van Gelder girls. How's that for having your sister's back?

Yet next fall, the three sisters likely will go their separate ways for the first time, each pursuing a different career goal and college dream. Brittany wants to be an engineer. Stephanie is business-oriented. And Jennifer plans to study psychology and may go pre-med.

The sisters say that each girl is following her own academic path -- thus the different colleges. But they also note it's time for each to forge her own identity, after being known since kindergarten as one of three. It's not unusual to be greeted with "Hey, Triplets!" or just "Triplet!" or even "JSB" (short for Jennifer, Stephanie, Brittany).

Yet the triplets each seem remarkable for individuality as well as a shared sense of loyalty and love. Congratulations to the van Gelder sisters for being the Patch Whiz Kids of the Week.

Follow these links to read more about each girl:

Brittany van Gelder

Jennifer van Gelder

Stephanie van Gelder