Emily and I met the summer before our freshman year of high school, and our friendship quickly blossomed into something special. During high school, we were both deeply involved in various activities, including show choir, yearbook, the school paper, and musicals. Emily was my biggest supporter throughout my time on the swim team, cheering me on at every meet.

After graduation, I (Ian) moved to Oklahoma City to swim for Oklahoma Christian University, where I earned a degree in Criminal Justice in 2020. Meanwhile, Emily stayed in Scottsbluff, where she pursued her education. She earned an associate degree from Western Nebraska Community College and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Chadron State College.

In 2020, we tied the knot and decided to begin the next chapter of our lives together in Oklahoma City. While I completed my senior year in person, Emily finished hers online. During this time, we both worked hard to support our goals. Emily worked at a family friend’s restaurant, Simply Falafel, before finding a position at First Light, an in-home care agency. She started as a scheduler but quickly climbed the ranks and is now the Senior Operations Coordinator for the organization.

I (Ian) worked at Target until August 2021, when I transitioned into a role providing COVID relief funds to individuals struggling with bills. Initially, I served as the Utility Coordinator, but I later moved into an accounting position, overseeing the distribution of over $420 million in relief funds to every county in Oklahoma. Once the funding was fully distributed, I joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City as a Job Developer. In this role, I assist newly arrived refugees, individuals experiencing domestic violence, and those facing homelessness by helping them connect to employment opportunities.

During our first year living in Oklahoma City, we experienced one of the worst ice storms in the last 20 years. We ended up without power for two weeks. When crews finally made it to our house, we learned they were from Alliance, Nebraska! Even when we’re far from home, Nebraska seems to find us.

In July 2023, we welcomed our daughter, Ellis, into the world. She has brought so much joy and light to our lives. At 18 months old, she’s already developed a strong personality (and, admittedly, an attitude—we’re not sure who she gets that from!).

Looking back, our time at Scottsbluff High School brought us together, and we’re incredibly grateful for the journey that began when we were just 14 years old. The experiences we shared and the bond we formed have led us to where we are today—a fulfilling life filled with love, family, and success.