By Madeline Acker

Op/Ed Editor

John Daniel + Mary Leinbach
    While John Daniel and Mary Leinbach may seem like the picture-perfect high school couple, their story actually began long before the halls of high school. They first met years ago as campers at YMCA Camp Cheerio. However, it wasn’t until eight months ago that they officially began dating, and since then, they have been inseparable.

    “Mary is my best friend,” Daniel said. “She makes me laugh more than anyone else does, and I can talk to her about anything.”

    Being in different grades can sometimes create scheduling conflicts. However, the couple consistently finds ways to prioritize their relationship.

    “I am a sophomore, and Mary is a junior, which sometimes makes hanging out difficult,” Daniel said. “Despite the obstacles, we always manage to make time to see each other.”

    Both Daniel and Leinbach live busy lives as student-athletes. Daniel participates in soccer, basketball, and golf, and also serves as the kicker for the football team. Leinbach is a key contributor on both the women’s field hockey and soccer teams. Despite their demanding schedules, they continue to support one another whenever possible.

    “Some of my favorite memories of Mary are when she comes to watch me at my games,” Daniel said.

    With eight months together already behind them and many memories to come, Daniel and Leinbach’s relationship appears to be off to a strong start.

Finn Hosey + Charlotte MacCorkle
    Finn Hosey and Charlotte MacCorkle have been dating for an impressive three years, reflecting the strong foundation they built long before officially becoming a couple. Having known each other for years, they’ve shared countless memories along the way.

    “My favorite memory that I have of Charlotte is when we went skiing together over Christmas break,” Hosey said. “We rented a house and spent the night in the mountains. It was a lot of fun.”

    Being in a long-term relationship during high school often means navigating outside opinions. While Hosey and MacCorkle have faced their fair share of comments and judgment, they’ve continued to handle it all with confidence.

    “To the haters, I say: Don’t hate me cause you ain’t me!” MacCorkle said.

    As graduation approaches, the couple is preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Although college will take them to different states, they are committed to making their relationship work.

    “I’m going to Oberlin College in Ohio, and Charlotte is going to UNC Chapel Hill,” Hosey said. “We still want to stay together despite the distance.”

    Three years together with many more milestones ahead, Hosey and MacCorkle are determined to face the future side by side.

John Skeeter + TaKiyah Rice
    John Skeeter and TaKiyah Rice, who have been dating for one year and seven months, share a story that feels straight out of a teen romance movie. 

    “We had gym class together freshman year,” Rice said. “He asked me to hold his backpack while he played basketball every single day.”

    What started as a small daily interaction quickly grew into something more meaningful. Over time, Skeeter’s consistent presence and effort made his feelings clear, even before he officially shared them with Rice herself.

    “I knew I liked her from the beginning,” Skeeter said. “I finally ended up telling her brother and sister that I liked her before I told her.”

    As Valentine’s Day approaches, the couple is looking forward to celebrating their relationship and reflecting on how far they’ve come together.

    “Our Valentine’s Day plans are still in the works right now,” Rice said. “But we certainly will do something fun.”

    With a strong connection built on friendship and mutual interest, Skeeter and Rice continue to enjoy each other’s company while making new memories along the way.

Porter Lassiter + Ollie Fala
    Ollie Fala and Porter Lassiter’s relationship began back in middle school at Wiley Magnet Middle School and has continued, on and off, throughout their high school years. With that history comes growth, learning, and the ability to work through challenges together.

    “Whenever we have an argument, we always try to see the other side and have a genuine conversation about it,” Fala said.

    Despite a few bumps along the way, the couple remains appreciative of one another and the bond they’ve built over time.

    “My favorite thing about Ollie is that she is just a great person,” Lassiter said. “She is extremely thoughtful and just so fun to be around.”

    February is known as the month of love, and this year is no exception. With Valentine’s Day approaching and Senior Girls Service Club’s annual Sadie Hawkins Dance following shortly after, the month is shaping up to be an exciting one.

    “We are both really looking forward to Sadies,” Fala said. “It’s both our first time going, so we are really excited, and I think our whole friend group will have a lot of fun together.”

    As these couples celebrate milestones big and small, one thing is clear: whether they’re just beginning their journey or preparing for what comes next, each relationship is built on commitment, and time spent together, the true foundation of young love.