Acceptance to the University of Virginia, countless dance awards and scholarships are just the tip of the iceberg for alumnae Kailey Leinz. Her great accomplishments have left an immense mark on the school and an amazing influence on her younger sister, junior Holly Leinz.

Holly is currently on the varsity dance team, is in AP classes and is an officer in the National Honors Society and SGA. She is motivated by her sister and considers her a role model in her life.

“I like to think that I’ve guided her a lot,” Kailey said. “I know I broke in our parents for her, but I feel like she’s done a pretty good job on her own. I hope she’s learned a couple lessons from me, though.”

Although they are three years apart, these two sisters have a close relationship.

“Me and my sister are really close,” Holly said. “She’s my best friend in the whole world. Kailey’s accomplishments motivate and push me to try and get as many of my own as possible because she set the bar pretty high.”

Getting admitted to UVA is tough competition for students, but Kailey worked hard throughout high school for a great reward and ended her first year at UVA with a GPA of 3.7.

“I try to work super hard during the week so I can let loose on the weekends,” Kailey said. “‘Work hard, play hard’ is my motto.”

Similarly, Holly strikes a tough balance in her academic, social and personal life. During the week, she is fully dedicated to her school work and extracurricular activities, like dance, practicing 15 hours a week, and helping her mother out with their Mother Daughter Giving Club. During the weekends, she hangs out with her friends, still keeping up her 4.4 GPA.

“The secret to my high grades is knowing that if I don’t get them, my parents will take away my social life,” she said. “It makes me work hard to maintain good grades, knowing there is a lot to lose.”

Although they share similar hobbies, high academic status and looks, these two sisters are complete opposites.

“Kailey and I almost have nothing in common,” Holly said. “Kailey is the sweet, innocent one, and I’m kind of crazy and independent. Even when it comes to dance, she’s a ballerina, and I’m more hip-hop and jazz.”