We first crossed paths in middle school, but it wasn’t until our Junior year at Barrington High School that our friendship truly took off. In Business Incubator class, we teamed up to create what we were sure was a groundbreaking idea: a planner app to help students organize assignments, tests, and schedules (because, of course, no one had ever thought of that before). While the app didn’t quite make it big, our friendship certainly did. By senior year, we were talking every day and sharing plenty of laughs in Ms. Dixon’s Calculus class. Sydney secretly had the biggest crush, but played it cool, asking Jack to the turn-about dance “just as friends.” That night turned out to be as advertised.. "as friends" — but maybe the first hint that our story was destined to be more than just that. As graduation approached, Jack knew it was now or never. After a few rejected lunch invitations, he finally convinced Sydney to join him at a friend’s playoff softball game. One thing led to another, and later that night we were sharing dinner at Meatheads and watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Romantic or not, it worked. That summer was one we’ll never forget. But as the Fall approached, so did a big decision: try to make it work long-distance, with Jack headed to Penn State and Sydney to the University of Illinois, or say goodbye. Against all odds and contrary to bad advice, we chose each other. Eight years later, that leap of faith is still the best decision we’ve ever made. And soon to be surrounded by the family and friends who have cheered us on since the beginning, we can’t wait to start our next chapter together.