About 100 people, including an entire extended family, surprised the sisters Sunday with a birthday party at Hopewell Meadows Park in Symmes Township.

Since they were born July 5, 1934, at Good Samaritan Hospital, the women have become somewhat famous in the Queen City.

Jane Fox of St. Bernard, Judy Akridge of Norwood and Joan Patterson of Maineville are identical triplets. They grew up in Norwood with seven other siblings. They later married and raised 16 children among them.

"They're very close," said Jenny Long, Fox's daughter. "The whole family is extremely close."

The topic of the sisters' 70th birthday came up at a family wedding in April. From there the party was planned.

"They had no idea about this party," Long said. "They were ordered to get into a limo and not to ask any questions as to where they were going. They were picked up individually at their houses.''

From there the surprise spilled out.

"This is wild," Jane Fox said. "They got us on this one. I usually can figure it out. I just can't wait to see what's coming up for the 80th.''

POSITIVELY KIDS: College aid

These recent high school graduates have received scholarships to attend Xavier University:

• $11,000 Trustee Scholarship recipients must rank in the top 10 percent of high school class and score 1280 or higher on the SAT or 29 or higher on the ACT: Jessica Alexander of Mother of Mercy High School. The daughter of Barbara and Marc Alexander of Mack plans to major in psychology; Amy Baumann of Milford High School. The daughter of Margaret Baumann of Milford intends to major in sociology; Christina Black of Winton Woods High School. The daughter of Dona and Steve Black of Springfield Township will major in psychology; Molly Eiser of Mount Notre Dame High School. The daughter of Susan Eiser of Loveland and Robert Eiser of Fairfield plans to major in advertising and organizational communication; Dave Glassmeyer of La Salle High School. The son of Ronda and David Glassmeyer of Monfort Heights intends to major in pre-med; Meghan Kamp of Ursuline Academy. The daughter of Cindy and Bob Kamp of Greenhills plans to major in biology; Chelsea McAlpin of Ryle High School. The daughter of Jamie and Roger McAlpin of Florence will major in occupational therapy; Corinna McClanahan of Loveland High School. The daughter of Judy and Stephen McClanahan of Loveland plans to major in English; Elisabeth Perin of Ursuline Academy. The daughter of Trina and Joseph Perin Jr. of Blue Ash intends to major in nursing; John Splain of McNicholas High School. The son of Karen and John Splain of Anderson Township will major in business; Megan Whitt of New Richmond High School. She is the daughter of Allisa and Roy Whitt Jr. of New Richmond; and Allen Zernich of La Salle High School. The son of Maria and Harold Zernich of Dent plans to major in accounting.

• $7,000 Presidential Scholarship recipients must rank in the top 20 percent of high school class and score 1200 or higher on the SAT or 27 or higher on the ACT: Michael Bennett of Moeller High School. The son of Maureen and Lawrence Bennett of Madeira plans to major in religious studies; Keith Connolly, of Elder High School. He is the son of Linda Hood and William Connolly of Green Township; Lindsay Harris of Norwood High School. The daughter of Patricia and Don Harris of Norwood will major in psychology; Brian Rapien of Elder High School. The son of Debbie and Leonard Rapien of Bridgetown intends to major in secondary education; and Regina Rosenzweig of Fairfield High School. The daughter of Theresa and Walter Rosenzweig of Fairfield plans to major in management.

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