Malden's Deanna And Mya Cook Named 2020 Commonwealth Heroines

MALDEN, MA — Malden twins Deanna and Mya Cook were recently recognized as 2020 Commonwealth Heroines. The sisters, nominated by State Rep. Steven Ultrino, fought to change Mystic Valley Charter School's hair and makeup policy in 2017.

The annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration recognizes women from across the state who "perform unheralded acts daily that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities and towns better places to live." State legislators are responsible for recommending women within their districts for the honor.

The Cooks served multiple detentions and were threatened with suspension over their hair extensions, which violated the school's policy. They were kicked out of after-school sports and banned from prom before the state Attorney General's office stepped in.

The School Board ultimately voted to suspend the policy and reinstate the girls.

"They deserve this recognition because they went against something they felt was an injustice, and they garnered community support," the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, which gives out the honor, wrote. "They are confident young women who used a spotlight in a way that will allow them to continue to be leaders."

Click here for the full list of Commonwealth Heroines.