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Best, Griffith Triplets Continue the Siena Heights Legacy

By Julie Bonk—Student Writer

The Siena Heights tradition runs deep in the Best and Griffith families.

Triplets Ashley, Cameron and Lauren Best followed in their father’s footsteps, Steven Best, who graduated from Siena Heights in 1982. After graduating from Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic High School in 2015, they all individually chose to attend SHU.

And the Bests aren’t the only triplets on Siena Heights’ Adrian campus. Marley, Madison and Brady Griffith are sophomores at SHU. They also have a younger brother who could be a potential future Saint. Their father, Dr. Kyle Griffith, is a three-time Siena Heights graduate who received the Outstanding Graduate Award from SHU in 2017. He is currently the assistant superintendent of the Lenawee Intermediate School District. Their mother, Amy, received her master’s degree from SHU in 1996.

Both sets of triplets have made their mark at Siena Heights in their own unique way.

Born one minute apart each, the Best triplets remain as close as ever. Lauren and Cameron will both graduate in May 2018, each majoring in law and politics. Lauren is also double majoring in sport management. They said they both plan to attend law school after graduation. Ashley will graduate in the December 2018 with a degree in biology.

The Bests are competitive on and off the field. Lauren and Cameron enjoy comparing test scores and out-working each other. They said they enjoy having each other in their courses, and it not new to them: All three were in the same class until the third grade.

Athletics also runs in the genes for these triplets. Cameron is a member of the SHU baseball team; both Lauren and Ashley are members of the Saints softball team.

One can easily see the similarities in how they speak. Ashley and Lauren answered all the interview questions, while Cameron just sat back and listened. When asked about their relationship, Cameron explained that he can be the “mediator” at times.

And they might even have “triplet telepathy.”

“You just kind know sometimes what they’re thinking,” Cameron said of his sisters.

The Griffith triplets also are carving out distinct identities at Siena Heights.

Marley is an education major and involved in the student teacher organization, and Brady is majoring in biology. All three are involved in College Life on campus. Madison, in social work program, recently authored a children’s book called “Little Z.” It is based on an Afghanistan girl who is a refugee and living in the U.S.

Throughout their schooling at nearby Blissfield Schools, the triplets have always been together. However, they said that once they declared their college majors, they were finding out who they were as individuals.

“I think personality, I’m pretty outgoing. I’m pretty quiet, but I can be outspoken,” said Marley. She added that her sister and brother are more reserved.

Similar to the Bests, the brother is the glue of the Griffith triplets.

“Because Brady was born in the middle, he’s kind of our median,” Madison said.

Brady added, “That’s probably a good way of putting it. I’m kind of a like a mix of both personality wise.”

However, unlike the Bests, the Griffiths all chose Siena Heights at different times.

“We are the complete opposite in every way,” Marley said, explaining that she was originally looking into a college with a larger campus.

Now, they all said they love how Siena Heights is focused on student relationships.

“I definitely feel that I thrive in the small environment,” Madison said.

Because they came from small, rural Blissfield High School, they said they view Siena Heights as a “large” community.

Both sets of triplets said they are enjoying their time and experience at Siena Heights.

That’s one thing they can all agree on.