The Voss Trio: Three Members of Voss Family at West Delaware

JoAnna (10), Jeff, and Jennie Voss dress up for twin day during homecoming week.

JoAnna (10), Jeff, and Jennie Voss dress up for twin day during homecoming week.

Madalynn Burke

It all runs in the family. JoAnna Voss, Jeff Voss and Jennie Voss are all either teaching at or attending West Delaware High School.

Following in her dad’s footsteps, Jennie began her adventure as a West Delaware staff member in August, joining her sister and father at the high school.

“I hoped I would get this job from the moment I decided I wanted to be a teacher,” said Jennie “I remember when I got the phone call from Mr. (Tim) Felderman asking me if I would like the position. I tried playing it cool on the phone, but the second the call ended, I rushed into the room with my friends and we all screamed GO HAWKS at the top of our lungs! It was one of the greatest days of my life!”

The family members enjoy each other’s company while at school. “It’s pretty weird, but it’s a good weird,” Jennie said. “It’s nice to have someone to go to. It’s nice to be able to go have lunch with him (Jeff)”

JoAnna enjoys the perks that come with family members so close. According to Jeff, several times JoAnna has forgotten a shirt for PE and has come to her father to borrow wrestling shirt to wear.

JoAnna especially enjoys stealing mints from both Jeff’s and Jennie’s classrooms throughout the day. Jennie was a bit surprised to hear JoAnna was taking the mints from both of them! “I didn’t know she was getting them from my dad, too!” Jennie said.

With the physical similarities of Jennie and JoAnna, people often confuse them and call them the wrong name.

During Homecoming Week, teacher Pat Phillips was wearing his homecoming jeans with the words “Social Stud” printed on them. JoAnna recalls saying to him, “Nice jeans, Mr. Phillips.” In reply, she recalls his saying, “Where are yours? I am sure you had some from when you were in high school.” JoAnna realized he thought she was Jennie. “I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to embarrass him,” JoAnna said.

“I realized I made  a mistake with the identities as soon as I walked away,” Phillips said.  “A curse of growing old, I guess.”

The sisters also enjoy their time together on the volleyball court with Jennie as JoAnna’s coach. “It’s different having her as a player versus a sister,” Jennie said.

Jennie appreciates the respect that JoAnna gives her on the court. “She realizes I’m the authority figure.”

During Homecoming Week, the three enjoyed dressing up like each other. “We wore our JNJ Kennels t-shirts,” Jennie said. “It was fun to represent our business and show school spirit at the same time,” JoAnna said.

The family is close-knit. “It’s nice to know if they need something, I’m here for them,” Jeff said.