Dickey twins differ in some ways but share academic achievement

Josh and Aaron Dickey
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)

[Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The sons of Mike and Diana Dickey, the boys are technically identical twins who share the same chromosomes, but slight differences in hairstyles, glasses and stature make them easy to differentiate.

"We're considered identical, but we don't think we are," Aaron said.

The Dickey twins at Slater graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 9.
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)

[Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Like many sets of twins, the Dickeys -- don't call them "the Dickey boys" -- have a special connection.

"We have twin moments," Aaron said. Like when "we're having a conversation and suddenly we say the same thing at the same time."

Born 10 minutes before Josh, Aaron remains a step ahead of his brother in many ways. His frame, slightly taller; his ACT score, one point higher; his class rank, one higher.

"I figured that's how it would be," Josh said, of being salutatorian to Aaron's valedictorian.

Aaron came out on top because, he said, "I usually had a tiny bit ... higher grades."

In high school, the brothers were quite studious, participating in Slater's academic team and National Honor Society.

They were members of the school's reader's theater, in addition to taking many dual-credit courses in preparation for college.

The twins, who have never been apart for more than five days, plan to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla in the fall, and both are majoring in computer science.

"It's a place that seems to suit my interest the best," Josh said of his college choice.

Aaron echoed, "It suits what I want to do."

And what is that exactly? Possibly computer repair for Aaron, who plans to build his own desktop computer this summer.

Speaking for himself and his brother, he said, "We like the idea of creating -- using your imagination."

Josh agreed and said that "creating your own video game" would be cool. But for long-term career plans, he remains undecided.

"My goal is to wait and see what comes my way," he said.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net