Entertainment has Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Hogwarts has Fred and George Weasley.
Eastern Kentucky University’s mock trial team has Katrina and Kristeena Winkler.
The Richmond twins have more than their appearance in common. They have been best friends their entire lives.
“When other kids had imaginary friends or would get possessive over their ‘best friend,’ we didn’t get it because we have always had each other,” Katrina said.
As teenagers, they both cheered and excelled academically at Madison Central High School, where they graduated in 2005.
It’s no surprise both chose EKU for their undergraduate studies.
Although their majors are different — Katrina is pre-medicine and Kristeena plans to attend law school — both share a passion for success and are highly motivated.
“They are extremely intelligent, hard-working and dedicated,” said Dr. Sara Zeigler, coach of the EKU mock trial team.
The sisters juggle classes, positions within the Chi Omega sorority, mock trial responsibilities and make time to oversee the nursery at their church. And they manage it all successfully.
While they share interests and physical characteristics, their individual personalities become clear the moment they begin speaking.
Katrina is animated and intense, her words illustrated by gestures and facial expressions. Conversely, Kristeena seems mild-mannered, articulating as well as her sister, but more softly and less often. However, both contend they are not as different as people perceive.
“We have the same basic ideas about things. We just present them differently,” said Katrina. “We are both pretty goal-oriented. It doesn’t matter what it is.”
Their “can-do” approach has helped the twins gain respect and recognition within their various activities. Katrina is vice president of Chi Omega, while Kristeena is treasurer. Both are members of the Order of Omega, a Greek honors society, and maintain impressive grade-point averages.
“No matter what we do, we are never satisfied just being a member. We have to be good at it,” Katrina said.
EKU’s mock trial team, which recently placed ninth in the National Championship Tournament, certainly benefits from the sisters’ focus and drive. Dr. Zeigler said Kristeena has received an Outstanding Attorney award at almost every tournament, and Katrina received an Outstanding Witness award and will move into attorney roles next semester.
However, the sisters and Dr. Zeigler agree that mock trial with twins can get a bit tricky.
“It was weird because we looked alike and people noticed,” said Kristeena. “We dress them differently and have Katrina use her middle name, Anne, in competition to avoid confusing the judges,” Dr. Zeigler said.
Mock trial judges are not the only people prone to mistaken identity. After a competition a couple of years ago, Katrina kept in touch with a member of another mock trial team via Facebook. She was reunited with her friend when his mock trial team also made it to this year’s National Championship Tournament. Their reunion was a bit delayed when Katrina’s friend spotted Kristeena first.
“He walked up to Kristeena thinking she was me and hugged her and said, ‘Hey, how are ya?’” Katrina said with a laugh.
Meanwhile, Kristeena thought, “Who is this person and why is he hugging me?”
The twins said they are accustomed to the confusion and it is more awkward for the person making the mistake than it is for them.
In spite of attending the same university, being mistaken for each other and being part of the same activities, Kristeena and Katrina rarely tire of each other’s company.
Actually, both hope to be accepted to the University of Kentucky for their graduate studies.
“It kinda helps when someone is really busy with you,” said Katrina.
“Yeah, when you get stressed out you can relate to the other person,” Kristeena said.
After completing school, the two plan to settle in Richmond. Katrina says they may not be next-door neighbors, but they will probably always live and work in the same community.
“Kristeena can be my malpractice attorney,” Katrina joked.
Local News
WINKLER TWINS OF RICHMOND FIND SUCCESS ON NATIONALLY-RANKED EKU MOCK TRIAL TEAM
- Local News
-
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Kentucky’s deadline for filing to run for legislative seats was in flux on Monday because a judge did not immediately rule on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of newly redrawn district boundaries.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he expects to enter a ruling in the case by mid-week.
-
Couple recovering from injuries suffered in weekend house fire
A couple was hospitalized after their home was set ablaze Sunday by a spark from a cigar, according to a county fire official.
County Fire Chief Jim Cox said the city and county fire departments were called to the home at 111 Concord Road in the early afternoon. Waco Volunteer Fire Department and the Richmond Fire Department also responded.
-
EKU closes dining room at Arlington Clubhouse
A Richmond country club is no longer offering dining to members, but remains available for catered events and will be open on certain holidays.
Arlington Country Club, which has been a staple of Eastern Kentucky University for the past 40 years, laid off all dining staff late last week, according to Tom Coffey of the EKU Foundation.
-
Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
-
Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
-
Richmond man charged with child porn possession
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
-
Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
Occupational therapy dept. at EKU offers program for adults with memory loss
For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. - More Local News Headlines
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
