As Valentine’s Day is coming close up, we wondered: how much love is really out there at Pacific Grove High School? We set out to discover the sweetest stories of love and relationships among our students, teachers, and staff. From first loves to long-term marriages, we wanted to know what love looks like. Our journey took us to the halls of PGHS, where we met students, teachers, and staff willing to share their love stories. We discovered that love comes in many forms – excitement, comfort, and nostalgia. We heard tales of love at first sight, friendships that blossomed into romance, and relationships that have stood the test of time. Join us as we celebrate the love that surrounds us. We’ll share stories from students, teachers, and staff, and explore what love means to them.
Student Love Stories
- Roman Arroyo (12): Currently in the talking stage, Roman has experienced love during his time at PGHS.
- Ricardo Sanchez (11): In a relationship for 7 months, Ricardo plans to ask his girlfriend to be his Valentine. He’s smitten, saying, “I love everything about her!”
- Dante King (12): This student has never dated or been in love, leaving us wondering who will capture his heart in the future.
- Gideon Lantero (12): In a relationship, Gideon’s love for Lilikoi Wright is clear: “Lili is the first girl I’ve loved.”
- Kaitlyn Aquino (9): In a relationship with her boyfriend Alexander for 5 months. She’s hoping he will take her “out to dinner and maybe the beach for Valentines day”
- Scarlett Uriarte (12): In a relationship but “unfortunately” fell in love during her high school years.
- Jasmine Samuels (12): She is single and ready to mingle!
- Elias Jones (12): He has been in love, but at the moment is in love with the art of cooking.
- Alice Anderson (12): Currently single but has been in love before, she is going strong with TWO valentines this year.
- Lucy Mills (10): Never been in love but is ready to change that!
Teacher Love Stories
- Mrs. Selfridge: Married to Mr. Selfridge for 20 glorious years. The couple met while teaching at Monterey High School. They’re a true example of love blossoming in the workplace.
- Mrs. Gamecho: Currently single, Gamecho was previously married to her high school sweetheart from PG for 24 years. Who knows, maybe she’ll find love again?
- Mrs. Afifi: Married to Mr. Afifi for 33 years. The couple met at Sonoma State. What has been the secret to their long-lasting love?
- Mrs. Biondi: Married for 26 years. Mrs. Biondi and her husband are high school sweethearts from Stevenson. She told us, “He’s the love of my life!”
- Ms. Lukefahr: Married for 17 years, Ms. Lukefahr met her husband in college. She sweetly says, “He’s my first real love.”
- Mr. Leatham: With a philosophical take on love, Mr. Leatham believes “love is a construct.” He’s been in love before but isn’t currently.
- Po: Married to his wife, Chef Erickson for 25 years, Po knew she was the one after 30 years of friendship. He advises, “Marry your best friend!”
- Mr. Kelly: Married for 5 years, Mr. Kelly found his deepest love yet.
- Mr. O’Meara: Celebrating 25 years of marriage, our principal met his wife in college. He enthusiastically declares, “She’s the female version of me!”
Staff Love Stories
- Mr. Zac White: Briefly sharing his story, he stated that he has been in love before with a woman he met in college. Perhaps he’ll rekindle that flame?
- Mr. Vaughn: Married for 12 years, Mr. Vaughn met his wife at a basketball game. He has an interesting perspective on love, saying, “I like a partner rather than a love.”
- Marquise: Married, but tight-lipped about the details. We’re left wondering about his love story!
There you have it – a glimpse into the love lives of PGHS students, teachers, and staff. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a skeptic, love is undoubtedly in the air. Happy Valentine’s Day!
