Decadent chocolate infused with luscious flavors and placed in illustrious heart-shaped boxes adorn the shelves of the market. Sensual fragrances dance in the rose-tinted air and infiltrate nostrils everywhere. Top 40 love tunes suddenly become more poignant and ignite a sense of urgency.
Feminine lips are lathered in every hue of red and cheeks adopt an irresistible blush. While the above scenario is a tad sensational, it is undeniable that as Valentine’s Day approaches clichés and thoughts of love abound. For a large portion of students, Valentine’s Day becomes a frantic race to catch the eye of a particular somebody in order to not spend the iconic day of love alone under the taunting glare of a television screen. For a special few, the day is a blissful occasion where giddy surprises are exchanged and long-term love is commemorated. While authentic long-term commitment is not often associated with high school romance, several couples are proving that the dreamy ideal of high school sweethearts is more than a spectacle seen in the movies.
Austen and Callie
Seniors Callie Cannon and Austen Moore’s relationship began during their formative middle school years.
The pair ironically met while Moore was in the midst of a seventh grade tryst with senior Harlee Marcum.
Following Moore’s breakup with Marcum, he began dating Cannon.
However, the couple split as Moore failed to seal the seventh grade romance with a kiss.
While the couple indefinitely severed their romantic ties, they remained close friends until just before Christmas of their junior year.
The couple resumed dating around this time and have been together ever since.
They attribute the longevity of their relationship to the fact that they were best friends the year before they rekindled their romance and their shared interests.
Moore and Cannon bond over their mutual love for anime, video games, and humor.
“We laugh at everything,” said Cannon.
The couples very first date as a mature couple took place at Terra Studios.
They shared a picnic packed by Moore complete with plastic champagne glasses. While their dates have become more
elaborate over the years, Moore still cherishes the days in seventh grade when they relied on their parents to tote them to the movies where they would sweetly hold hands.
Cannon’s attraction to Moore stems from his romantic persona and affectionate demeanor.
“When I first saw her I thought she would be detached and higher than everybody,” said Moore, “But she is actually really sweet and cares about everybody and I find that very attractive. Not to mention she is beautiful.”
Hunter and Harlee
Involvement with choir brought seniors Harlee Marcum and Hunter Wright together.
The pair had known one another casually since junior high, but did not click until the middle of their junior year.
The pair’s romance began following the choral department’s annual Candlelight Night last December and they have been together ever since.
“It has lasted so long because we are not only dating,” said Marcum, “He’s also my best friend and I could do anything with him or tell him anything.”
The couple shares a fondness for football, video games, and movies.
“We love laying around in PJs and binge watching Netflix,” said Wright.
Marcum recalls a date during which Wright spontaneously took her to the zoo upon discovering she had never been as her favorite.
Wright favors the night before Christmas Eve when the pair sipped hot chocolate while enjoying the lights at the Fayetteville Square following a romantic dinner.
Marcum is attracted to Wright’s smile and goofy personality while Wright finds Marcum’s tendency to make silly mistakes to be irresistible.
Grant and Hannah
A serendipitous schedule change brought sophomores Grant Jenson and Hannah Bradow together.
Jenson was transferred into Bradow’s English class just two weeks into the pair’s freshman year. Jenson had never met Bradow, but upon talking with her discovered that they share many interests.
He asked for her phone number and in just a matter of a week the two become a couple and have remained committed
ever since.
“Sometimes we absolutely hate, are
annoyed, and we fight each other,” said Jenson, “but we know that we still love each other deeply, as sappy as that sounds.”
The couple takes their relationship very slowly and continually strives to stay on the same page in order to reduce conflict.
The pair originally bonded over a fandom of “Doctor Who” and video games. Other common interests include music and movies. The song they consider to be their definitive melody is “Secrets” by One Republic. The couple also shares a knack
for witty humor.
“He’s very sarcastic and cynical,” said
Bradow, “but deep down he’s very sweet and caring.”
While the couple’s relationship is held together many cohesive elements, Jenson feels that what really propels the relationship onward is his feeling that he will never find another girl as perfect for him a Bradow.
One of Jenson’s favorite memories the pair has shared was visiting a Japanese steakhouse and ending up eating dinner with the choir teacher from Southwest Junior High and his wife.
Bradow’s most memorable date was when Jenson accompanied her to a school dance last February.
“We ended up kissing for the very first time that night,” said Bradow,” and it was the sweetest and most unforgettable moment I’ve ever had the pleasure to be a part of.”
Hunter and Ashley
Senior Ashley Alston and Hunter Bank’s adorable relationship blossomed from a simple crush. The pair had sophomore Pre-AP English together and Alston was instantly developed a secret attraction to Banks.
Despite Alston’s attempts to be coy, Banks caught wind of her crush and introduced himself. Following the giddy introduction, the two built a friendship as the year progressed.
The next year the pair was reunited as they had theater class together.
“I remember talking to her more and more and sitting by her and finally realizing that she was really funny and cute and on top of that just gorgeous,” said Banks.
After finally realizing that Alston was the one for him, Banks obtained her number and the two began flirting via text. However, Alston did not realize that Banks was interested in a relationship until he placed his arm around her shoulders while they were out with pals. The pair have been in a relationship ever since.
“Her eyes are so deep and blue,” said Banks, “They are so beautiful and I can’t help but stare at them. I joke with her and say that I take swims in them mentally because they look like two perfectly blue oceans.”
While the pair is obviously physically attracted to one another, their bond far exceeds the realm of carnal attraction. The couplet has deeply rooted their relationship in the Christian faith.
They are committed to growing in their faith and strive to keep each other accountable. The pair also cites communication and deep care for one another as the prime factors keeping their relationship afloat.
“He is extremely caring and I know I can count on him for anything,” said Alston.
The pair shares many common interests such as sports and Disney films. They both have experience with cheer as Alston is a current cheerleader and Banks a former. They even go as far as to quote Disney movies while out and about.
