Tamiko & Terry Ward
If you happened to be walking the Frankford halls sometime between the fall of 1984 and early June of 1987, you may have wondered if you were seeing double or walking in circles.
Nope. You probably bumped into the talented Twins, Tamiko and Terry Ward.
Yes, Tamiko and Terry are identical twins. And yes they once tried tricking Tamiko’s French teacher into thinking Terry was Tamiko.
Unfortunately, her giggling classmates gave the ruse away.
EXPANDING HORIZON
Or, perhaps you saw them shine on Frankford’s sports teams. Terry played varsity volley ball, basketball, softball and ran track & field. Tamiko played varsity volleyball, basketball and competed in track & field.
You instantly feel a special closeness between them, just by talking to them for a few moments. You’ll want to call or text your sister after spending time with them. (maybe…even a brother)
This strong bond journeyed to Delaware Valley College (now University) in Doylestown, where they lived in the dorm and both majored in business administration.
They graduated in 1992, and both received Masters of Education and Sports & Recreation Administration from Temple University in 2001.
Their careers led them to the School District of Philadelphia where Terry works as a program manager and Tamiko, as a senior project manager.
FAST-FORWARD 30 YEARS
Fast-Forward 30 years later—it’s 2017, and the twins along with Katrina Travis are planning the Class of 1987, 30th reunion at Romano’s Catering in Philadelphia.
Both agree that the reunion was a great experience; allowing them to broaden their relationships with Frankford alumni beyond the reunion.
‘We were able to meet people we may not have known in high school, and still develop new friendships,” says Tamiko.
“Friendships that we made in high school can never be replaced, but reunions give you access to developing new relationships from this point forward,” Terry adds.
PREPARING FOR THE WORLD
F-A.COM: How has Frankford influenced your lives and prepared you for the world?
Terry: Coming from Jay Cook Junior High, a mostly African-American school and living in an African American community—we were not exposed to other ethnic groups. Frankford taught me how to interact with different cultures. Frankford also helped me adapt better to multicultural people and feel comfortable among them.
Tamiko: Frankford influenced my life by allowing me to visit another part of the city. Participating on sports teams helped me transition and enabled me to see different ethnicities living in different parts of the city. It was exciting and new.
Prior to attending Frankford, I only knew one area—where I lived--which was an all-African American community. Frankford exposed me to other cultures within other areas of the city.
INSPIRING TEACHERS
F-A.COM: Who were the teachers who inspired you the most? Why?
Tamiko: My geometry teacher, Mr. Novakowski always had funny sayings. He made learning fun.
Terry: Vince Miller, coach of the boys’ basketball team was like a father figure to us. He helped us develop our academics. He actually made sure our academics and athletics were on point.
Also, Kline and my English teacher, Mr. Donahue, and Miss Joan Weeks-Moore inspired me. I was a program coordinator at Germantown High when Miss Weeks-Moore was an assistant principal.
Tamiko: Mr. Novakowski, Ms. Litsky and Mr. Miller were great teachers.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
F-A.COM: What advice would you give today’s students?
Terry: Take full advantage of being committed to getting a good education. Surround yourself with people who have the same motivation. So that if you ever fall off course, you’ll have someone there who has the same commitment, to motivate you into staying the course.
Tamiko: Be willing to ask teachers for help. Don’t assume that teachers can’t understand your troubles. They can. Go to them for help when you need it.
Also, participate in clubs and sports. They build relationships, character and help you have a great high school experience.
