They do everything together. They both sing in the church choir. Vivian was vice president of Northview Middle School's student council, while Vincent was president. They "hang" around the same people.

While many brothers and sisters are at each other's throats, these two are great friends.

"We had a younger brother, and we were all really close, but he died, and I think that brought us closer together," 13-year-old Vivian said.

Children's Express learned about this brother-and-sister relationship because of a letter their older brother wrote to us.

Praise from older brother

"I personally believe that these two have been able to accomplish something that so many other youths are not able to experience," wrote Steven D. Randolph, the proud older brother. "As I see it, it is a healthy and productive friendship with a brother and/or sister."

"To me this is extremely odd because of the day and age that we live in. With so many other negative influences available it is very comforting to know that these two have found positive reinforcement in each other."

"They strike me as being a very sincere, both youngsters, with their head on straight. Many youngsters today are confused about certain issues, such as drugs, sex and those kinds of things. These young people have their eye on the prize. They are here to get an education, they are all business, and they have sincerity of purpose on their mind at all times," said Randolph Wilson, principal of Northview Middle School, where Vivian and Vincent attended school last year.

Vincent has cerebral palsy

An obstacle that 14-year-old Vincent has had to overcome is cerebral palsy.

Vincent was born with cerebral palsy. The disease has affected his legs. He has had corrective surgery, but his legs are still weak.

"Sometimes he needs help in the wheelchair," Wilson said. "She (Vivian) or one of the other students will give him a hand. Sometimes he'll need to consult with someone on a decision that he's about to make and she's right there to assist. So it's a helping kind of relationship that the brother and sister have with each other."

"I personally love being around them, and I am more than positive that if you speak to their friends, both mutual ones and the individual ones, you will find them in total agreement with me," said Steven.

Is this just a family perspective?

No, according to their friends, this positive attitude is sensed by all.

Whitney Slaughter, one of Vivian's friends said, "When they're together, they act like they'd do almost anything for each other. They are like one person. They really work together. They do communicate. I have never seen them fight," said Ruth Holton, another one of Vivian's friends.

"They both are very talented and are good academically. They also have good personalities," said Megan Horose, one of Vincent's friends.

The teachers let them help each other.

"Whenever Vincent come to ask Vivian a question, they (the teachers) always let her go out and talk to him," said Whitney.

Team effort wins election

These two are a team. They ran together for student council president and vice president.

"Well, last year, they both ran for president/vice president. I mean, Vivian was vice president (of the school) and Vincent was president (of the school). They made posters to help each other out and everything. They did that this (past) year, too," explained Whitney.

"I am sure your audience/readers will enjoy seeing this powerfully, positive relationship in two of today's struggling youth. They to me promote old-fashioned family unity. It hasn't been lost!" added Steven.

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