Two Tarboro women who became marching band drum majors during their final year in high school have ended up marching to the beat of a similar tune – "I Believe."

For Jessica and Crystal Aldavé, daughters of Lillie Aldavé of 3602 Ainsley Circle in Tarboro, the belief that they can achieve, excel and make a difference in their communities has taken hold in everyday life and in the classroom.

The Aldavé sisters were recently recognized for one of their efforts, academic achievement worthy of selection to their colleges' Dean's Lists.

Jessica Aldavé, 22, a junior at University of North Carolina-Greensboro, earned a 3.6 grade point average and sibling Crystal Aldavé, 20, a sophomore at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, earned a 3.9 grade point average last semester.

The older Aldavé ranked 17th in her high school class and participated in the marching band at Tarboro High School before graduating in 2004. At UNC-Greensboro, she majors in sociology and minors in criminology, and is preparing for the Law School Admissions Test.

"I eventually want to become a public defender," Aldavé said, after a field experience visit to a local courthouse. "Indigents receive amazing poor legal advice and Iíd like to help them. They deserve a fair chance in court."

The civic-minded college junior is planning a one-year hiatus prior to graduate studies to perform community service work.

"I'm lucky to have opportunities. It's important to help others who don't," said Aldavé.

The younger Aldavé, who graduated from THS in 2006, ranked fifth in her class at Tarboro High, was a finalist for the Park scholarship and a nominee for the Morehead scholarship. AdavÈ also participated in the marching band. At UNC-Chapel Hill, she majors in psychology and minors in political science, and participates in the TarHeel pep band.

Aldavé isn't completely certain on what steps she'll take after undergraduate school, although playing the French horn for the Marine Corps Band is alluring and grad school appears inevitable.

The myriad of extra-curricular activities she takes on is one thing she's certain of. Those include participating and officiating in intramural basketball and softball, working at the college library and volunteering time with a neighborhood elementary after school program.

The busy sisters say their work ethic is an effort to emulate of their mother, Lillie Aldavé, a former U.S. Marine.

"My mom was a tough soldier," said the younger Aldavé sister "and she leads with her actions."

The older sibling talked about standards set by their mother.

"She expects us to do our best."