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DAN ‘14 & SOPHIA (MAST) ‘14 ZOOK
They first connected during English 9, where sitting one seat apart sparked conversation, shared interests, and eventually, a relationship. “It’s pretty special that we got to experience so much of high school side by side—from classes and musicals to sports and Campus Chorale,” Dan reflected. Their time at LM included cross country meets, field hockey games, banquets, and a life-changing trip to South Africa—“Marrying your high school sweetheart means you really got to grow up together,” Sophia shared, “and that feels incredibly special.”
DORIS (MELLINGER) ‘56 & DON ‘56 SENSENIG
Don and Doris are one of six couples from the Class of 1956 who married their LM classmates—a love story that began in plane geometry class. Their high school days were filled with fond memories, including a prank by classmate JOSEPH SHENK ‘56, who once disguised a cardboard box as a birthday cake—thankfully bringing real cupcakes for the class. Don and Doris married five years after graduation and have now shared 65 years of marriage. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the lifelong connections and lasting love that can begin at LM.
KENDRA (CRIST) CROSS ‘66 & MARY ETTA (LAPP) KING ‘66
Kendra arrived at LM feeling out of place as the only non-Mennonite in her class, but was quickly welcomed by Mary Etta, whose friendship helped her find belonging. “Mary Etta recognized my insecurity and immediately included me in her social circle,” Kendra shared. More than 60 years later, their friendship remains strong—spanning weddings, moves, and long-distance calls—and now continues in Sarasota, Florida, where they reconnect each winter.
LUKE ‘08 & MELISSA (SAUDER) ‘08 SCHLOSSER
They first crossed paths at LM through chapel and shared classes, but their most memorable interaction came as senior mini course counselors for 8th graders. Though part of overlapping friend groups, most of their time at LM was spent with each other’s siblings. “We never thought we’d end up together when we were at LM,” they shared, but after reconnecting in college, they’ve now been married 12 years, have two kids, and still keep in touch with many LM friends.
KARISTEN (EMERY) ‘99 & SETH ‘97 BUCKWALTER
Seth and Karisten’s story began at LM, though they first met at her house while Seth was hanging out with her brother. Their friendship grew through student council, watching each other play sports (basketball and field hockey), and mutual friends. They began dating the summer after Karisten graduated high school and married three years later. Their shared faith and values laid the foundation for a Christ-centered marriage that continues to grow. Today, with three children at LM, their love story continues where it first started.
LYDIA BELAMO ‘22 & TSION BEKELE ‘22
Lydia and Tsion’s friendship was deeply shaped by their experience in the dorms at LM, where living, learning, and growing together created a bond more like family than friendship. From late-night study sessions and celebrating Ethiopian holidays to aligning class schedules just to spend more time together, their connection was built on shared memories, spiritual encouragement, and mutual support. Even after graduation, they continue to show up for each other in every season, cherishing the lifelong, faith-rooted friendship that began at LM.
