Freshman Couple – Tilly Donley and Milo Kueffer

Tilly and Milo, the freshman duo, kicked off their “epic” love saga when Milo desperately needed homework help. Tilly, known to be selfless and kind, couldn’t resist aiding a damsel in academic distress. As a couple, Tilly and Milo’s favorite shared activity involves spreading creative, although fictional, tales about each other. When asked about where she sees their relationship in five years, Tilly cryptically envisions “good places, great places, getting better and building over time,” leaving us all to wonder what the future holds. The biggest lesson they’ve learned so far? The profound importance of valuing someone’s personality, even if that someone occasionally disappears into the sea of a crowded freshman hallway. Oh, young love!

Sophomore Couple – Sophie Haar and Graham Bertele

There has been an invisible string connecting Graham and Sophie throughout their lives. The two actually met in kindergarten, as they both attended Washington International School (WIS). When Sophie left WIS, the pair continued to orbit around the same circles. They both had the same babysitter for years, though neither of them knew that, and Sophie even did ballet with Graham’s twin sister. When Graham came to Sidwell, he noticed Sophie but was too nervous to talk to her. He overcame his worry, and the two became closer towards the end of freshman year, when they rediscovered their kindergarten friendship. The happy couple has been dating ever since. When asked about the secret to their relationship, Sophie responded, “Quality time and communication are key.” 

Junior Couple – Samatha Glover and Trevor Ward

Juniors Samantha and Trevor first found their connection in the simplicity of friendship. Smitten by Samantha, Trevor took the bold step of asking her to be his girlfriend right in the school courtyard. In a sweet move, he presented her with a sticky note, posing the question, “Be my girlfriend, yes or absolutely.” Their favorite pastime is shared laughter, with Samantha cherishing Trevor’s ability to make her smile effortlessly. The duo enjoys the simple pleasures of ordering food, baking together and spending sunny summer days swimming. Celebrating their first anniversary, Trevor surprised Samantha with a unique present — an adorable set of ugly dolls representing them, one adorned with a ring on its finger, complete with a heartwarming “Trevor + Sam 9/20/22.” As a couple, Samantha and Trevor are a wonderful representation of the junior class, embodying the genuine connection and joy that defines their grade.

Senior Couple – McKenzie Manley and CJ Eddings

Before Mckenzie and CJ were a couple, they were each other’s best friends. Placed in the same photography, math and chemistry classes sophomore year, where they were conveniently and coincidentally seated at the same table, they became fast friends. “He was my best friend. He didn’t know, but he was one of my best friends,” McKenzie revealed. CJ echoed the sentiment. Their friendship eventually blossomed into a strong romance. When asked about their advice for other budding couples, McKenzie explained, “Communication is important because it shows that you can form a long-term relationship where you have trust with your partner…open communication can solve any issues that may arise, but it’s also important to give verbal validation and make sure everyone in the relationship is happy.”