Special Valentine's Issue 2022-23

The Neeses set a high bar for Hill School sweethearts

relationship,” Courtney Neese stated.

Seeing how they hit it off so well, anyone would naturally think that romance must have blossomed not long after. That is not quite how their story unfolded. In fact, the Neeses did not officially begin dating until the week of their 6th form Commencement.

College is usually the major hurdle that high school sweethearts must overcome together, and that goes for the Neeses as well. After graduating from Hill, they hung out over the summer and agreed to stay together before leaving for college.

“We were lucky to be only 35 to 40 minutes apart at Dickinson and Gettysburg. It was the perfect balance of having our own college experience while seeing each other all the time,” Geoff Neese explained.

By CARRIE SHANG ’23

The words “love story” conjures up scenes of romcom style grand gestures or heartfelt confessions. Caught up in the world of fictional love, many tend to overlook romantic tales in their everyday lives. Most members of the Hill community may not realize that Geoff Neese ’00, director of capital giving, and Courtney Neese ’00, Edward Tuck Hall Distinguished Chair in English, have their very own high school sweethearts’ story that blossomed on this very campus.

The two met during the fall of their 5th form year. At the time, they were both goalies for their respective soccer teams.

“I used to spend part of my soccer practice working out with the boys team,” Courtney Neese stated in an email. “At that point we were both so focused on athletics, we didn’t really pay attention to each other.”

Even so, Geoff Neese stated in an email that he “loved her smile from the first time I saw her” and “that has never changed.”

The two remained workout buddies throughout their 5th and early 6th form years.

—

Everything changed though during the winter term.

“We really got to know

each other when I fell flat on my face in the ice when leaving chapel,” Geoff Neese stated. “Mrs. Neese happened to be right next to me, and if you know Mrs. Neese, you know she has a soft spot for laughing whenever someone falls awkwardly, which I did.”

Indeed, Courtney Neese found it quite amusing, stating that she “couldn’t stop laughing.” Despite already knowing each other at the time, this fateful day is still the Neeses’ meet-cute moment.

From that point on, the Neeses began spending more time with each other.

“We started off as great friends. I think that is part of what allowed us to build such a strong foundation for our

Finally, after four years of dating, Geoff Neese asked Courtney Neese to marry him during the week of their college graduation. A few weeks later, Courtney Neese started working at Hill, and the couple began the next chapter of their life—united once again at the place where they first met.

The Neeses’ have a love story that many would dream of living and they are still going strong to this day.

“The key to success in our marriage has been having fun together and making each other laugh,” Geoff Neese said. “He has been my best friend since our sixth form year. Life can get really hard and messy, but when you get to go through it with your best friend, the happiness is truly amplified, and the tough times are more manageable.”

Valentine’s Day crossword puzzle

Editors’ Note

By ANNA CARROLL ’23 & JASON ZHOU ’23 Editors-in-Chief

In celebration of what some view as one of the best holidays, The Hill News decided to publish a special Valentine’s Day issue. In this issue, we highlight some of our favorite aspects of this holiday, suggestions on how to celebrate, as well as one of Hill’s very own love stories. Even if you do not have a special someone this February 14, The Hill News is always here for you! So, sit down with your favorite box of heart-shaped chocolates and grab an issue — and a tissue. We are sure you will love it.

VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR

“We really got to know each other when I fell flat on my face in the ice when leaving chapel. Mrs. Neese happened to be right next to me, and if you know Mrs. Neese, you know she has a soft spot for laughing whenever someone falls awkwardly, which I did.”

Geoff Neese ’00

The Neese family poses infront of the Eiffel Tower.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY NEESE ’00

The Neeses jump with joy on their family vacation to Europe. The Neeses first met as students at Hill.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY NEESE ’00

Jason’s heartbreak playlist for those who are not yet over the Hill

SATIRE: Follow this survival guide for Hill singles

Singles of the Hill (SoTH), I’m here to help. Despite the Valentine’s Day pains we all feel, I devised a few tips to get you through this year’s iteration of the worst holiday.

By TOFE AKINYANMI ’23 MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Get on Instagram, and stay there. As you know, Instagram is often a refuge for those of us without relationships. Whether stalking your ex, or swiping through photos of people who are certainly happier than you solely because they are in relationships, Instagram will set you free.

Ask someone out.

The most flattering way to be asked out is, of course, the obligatory Valentine’s Day date. Because you both know that this would never be happening if you did not both feel lonely and sad on Valentine’s Day, you can really explore just how far your relationship can go.

Society.

Love is a societal construct, right?

Every time you hear the conversation steering a little too far into Valentine

territory, remind people that their happiness is limited. Less than 2% of relationships that begin in high school end in marriage — do they really think they are going to beat the odds? At the end of the day, is it really love? Do you seriously think you’re going to spend the rest of your life with some random you are dating at a Pennsylvania boarding school? Do you think your relationship is going to survive long distance?

Hang out with your couple friends. The best thing you can do at Hill, especially in the dining hall, is third, fifth, or on rare occasions, seventh wheel. You get the wonderful opportunity to sit trying not to puke up your food as your close friends nibble each other’s ears and brush dust off each other’s legs under the table.

Buy yourself roses.

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like self-love, right? Purchasing an anon-

ymous rose, chocolate strawberry, or singing telegram tells everyone else just how much you love yourself. And, since it is anonymous, maybe your classmates will actually think someone loves you.

Remind your friends about the origins of the holiday.

There’s nothing better for Valentine’s Day than looking back to the ancient holiday of Lupercalia. If you’re feeling especially kind, sacrifice a goat and slice its hide into long strips, then dip them into the sacrificial blood. Carry them around in your pocket, and every time you see a heteronormative couple getting a little too close, gently slap the woman to promote fertility.

or… the other origins. Alternatively, bathe yourself in honey and mock your friends for being unable to solemnly celebrate St. Valentine. I mean gosh. The man died for

OPINION: Valentine’s Day reminds us of the beauty of love

By COLETTE ZIDEK ’23 STAFF WRITER

Valentine’s Day sometimes gets a bad reputation for being a flashy or an exclusionary holiday. I think that people do not recognize that holidays have different histories and meanings for different individuals. Everyone can participate in Valentine’s Day. To me, Valentine’s Day is a day to tell the people that mean the most

to me that I love them — and indulge in a bit of chocolate.

Where did Valentine’s Day begin and why? February 14 is the feast day of St. Valentine. He was known for performing the sacrament of marriage when marriage was banned in the Roman Empire. From his jail cell, he signed his love letters, “From Your Valentine.” Throughout time, other festivals of love and fertility have culminated together into

Valentine’s Day.

Today, partners can get small gifts to celebrate one another, these range chocolate to special mementos of their time together. It is commonly misunderstood that if you do not have a romantic partner on Valentine’s Day, you cannot participate, but I’m here to tell you: no partner, no problem! If you chose to stay in and have a homey self-care night, that’s loving yourself. If you don’t have a valentine, but want to go out, you can still spend time with the friends and family you love.

I have always been a huge proponent of what I believe to be the most powerful and scary thing to do: telling the people you love that you love them. There is nothing wrong with taking one day out of the year to tell the people you love that you love them. As we have established, Valentine’s Day is for everyone. Whether it be a familial, romantic or friendly relationship, every person can celebrate this happy holiday.

the beekeepers of the world and you choose today to use sugar instead of honey? By St. Valentine, man. Find one-on-one platonic time If coupledom is getting to be too much, block out some time to spend with your friends away from their significant others. No doubt, they can manage to talk about literally anything but their situationship for a moment, right? …right?

HOT SINGLE boarding students IN YOUR AREA??

Of course, if your friends are too busy dating other people, you can always make new friends! Single ones! If they start dating people, just make more. It really is that easy. I mean, you’ll never be the only person not dating someone…hopefully.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Keep your friends close and your handbook closer.

Valentine’s Day crossword puzzle

DOWN

ACROSS

2. Essential organ in the human body, often representing love

3. The official word for the lobby of Upper School

7. Newly renovated cafe where students can buy snacks and food

9. Roman god of love

10. Holiday of love

14. Opposite of false

15. Writer and singer of “All Too Well” and “Love Story”

16. Genre of movie characterized by lighthearted plotlines centered around romance

17. A person hanging out with a couple

1. “How to be a _______” by Marina and the Diamonds

4. ____ first sight

5. Trite

6. Classic flowers that symbolize love

8. Holding, as in has a hard time letting go

11. Secret ______

12. Nickname for the student center

13. Ceremony celebrating love and union

OPINION: Love doesn’t need to have a commercialized holiday

By HOLLY MASON ’24 STAFF WRITER

Valentine’s Day has remained a commercialized day of love for years, yet the foundation of love that it stands upon is not enough to keep it afloat. This day is celebrated by friends, couples, and family members who wish to show their love for one another. However, this holiday provides an excuse to show love should not need to exist.

As human beings, we search for a social connection. We create deep relationships with those around us. So why do we need a holiday to show love?

The answer is we don’t. We don’t need a day to express kindness to our friends, appreciation to our family, or love to our partner. Valentine’s day gives those in meaningful relationships an excuse to show their love for one day, when love is a yearround job.

The holiday of passion makes an attempt to define love as a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, a ro-

mantic date, and a letter, but love is different for everyone.

Sienna Licata ’25 spoke to her unique way of expressing her friendships.

“I think valentine’s Day is very material, so in everyday life I don’t think it’s about the material. I think it’s about checking in with a friend, making them laugh,” she said.

Sophie Walsh ’24 also displayed this beautiful way of looking at love. “I show my love mostly through re-

membering little things about people,” she said. “So when I can restate some details about it later in conversation, it shows them that I’m listening and care about them.”

Love is a year-round blessing that we are tasked with. We have the chance to live our lives with those that surround us, making sure to display our love for them.

Valentine’s Day cannot be a day of love if we live a year of love.

ILLUSTRATION BY AIDAN MA ’23

CROSSWORD BY AIDAN MA ’23

Happy cry to these rom-com picks

By ANNA CARROLL ’23 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As an avid rom-com fan, it only felt right to compile a list of some must-see movies to watch for this Valentine’s Day. Ranging from 1966 to today, these classic romance movies will make you cry, scream, laugh, and believe in love. So, grab your chocolate, your popcorn, and, of course, your someone special, and pick from these classic romance movies.

This is a must see! Sixteen-year-old Cher believes herself to be an expert matchmaker. After successfully setting up her two teachers, she takes on a new project of making over Tai, Beverly Hills High School’s newest student. Yet, in the process, Cher starts to realize that her ex-stepbrother was right all along about her ill-conceived plot — and falls for him. Based on Jane Austen’s novel “Emma,” this rom-com surely brings both butterflies and laughs.

“How to Steal a Million”

Starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole, this 1966 rom-com follows the story of Nicole Bonnet, the daughter of Charles Bonnet, a very successful art forager. Trouble strikes when one of his pieces on display is scheduled to undergo an authenticity test, threatening his family’s reputation and freedom. Logically, Nicole decides to hire cat burglar Simon Dermott to help her steal back the piece, leading to a film filled with comedy, thrills, and unexpected love stories. This film is truly a must see.

“While You Were Sleeping”

For all my hopeless romantics out there, this movie is for you. Sandra Bullock stars as a transit worker who pulls her longtime crush, Peter, out of the way of an incoming train. Miscommunication leads to Peter’s family believing she is his fiancé, a lie she does not correct. She continues to grow closer with Peter’s family, which proves troublesome, especially as she starts to find herself falling for his brother Jack.

Right person, wrong time—that is the story of Jonathan and Sara, who after having a memorable New York City night together, leave it up to fate to decide their future. 10 years later, after agreeing to marry her boyfriend, Sara decides to test fate one last time in hopes of finding Jonathan, who now is engaged. Starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, this romcom is sure to make you laugh, cry, and believe in love at first sight all within its 90-minute run-time.

“Pride and Prejudice”

While this may not originally be a movie, I had to include this adaptation Jane Austen’s great novel— but please, read the book first. This tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest of five girls, whose mother’s goal in life is to see them each advantageously married. When a handsome and prosperous Mr. Bingley moves to town, matchmaking ensues in the Bennet household for the eldest daughter. At the same time, his friend Mr. Darcy falls for Elizabeth-- much against both of their wishes. This is the original enemy-to-lover story, as Austen perfectly masters the “slow-burn.”

“Say Anything”

Known for the iconic boombox scene and its charming love story, this 1989 teenage romcom movie remains a must-see. When high school senior Lloyd goes after Diane, the beautiful, straight-A student, no one thinks he has a shot. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, she reciprocates his feelings. Their relationship, however, complicates throughout the movie, especially when Diane’s divorced father disapproves.

This is the hilariously imperfect love story of Andi Anderson, an advice columnist, and Ben Berry, an advertising executive. In her newest column, Andi experiments with how long it takes to lose a guy in 10 days and chooses Ben to be her test subject. Little does she know, however, that Ben has bet with his co-workers that he can make any girl fall in love with him in ten days. Starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConnaughey, you cannot forget this rom-com classic.

Let’s be honest, any Hugh Grant movie is a great choice, especially “Notting Hill.” William Thacker is a small travel bookstore owner in Notting Hill, London. His life turns completely upside-down after his chance encounter with Anna Scott, a famous Hollywood actress. Pure clumsiness and spilt orange juice lead the two together. As they start to grow closer, however, they struggle to balance their polar-opposite worlds. Due to the mixture of its cast, sheer plotline, and chemistry, this is one of the greatest rom-coms ever made.

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”

“Notting Hill”

“Serendipity” “Clueless”

Jason’s heartbreak playlist for those who are not yet over the Hill

By JASON ZHOU ’23 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“Sober to Death” by Car Seat Headrest

Every time Will Toledo screams “you and I will be alone no more,” another layer of my skin is being peels open like an onion. “Sober to Death” depicts the mental struggles in a long-distance relationship. The raw emotion in this song is hauntingly heartbreaking.

“Telephones” by Vacations

The woozy major seven chords in this song remind me of laying in the middle of the road with rain pouring down from the sky. When Vacations sings “I wish I could live without you, but you’re a part of me, wherever I go, you’ll always be next to me,” it’s like listening to the sound of a box of Valentine’s chocolates hit hard on the cement after being thrown out of the window.

“The Scientist” by Coldplay

“Nobody said it was easy…no one ever said it would be so hard…” the lyrics just hit straight to my heart as I look back to a lot of struggles in my life. The melody of this song gives me hope, but the lyrics strike me right back down. It makes me want to scream in the pillow when the harmony comes in during the second verse. Painfully beautiful.

“Everlong” by Foo Fighters

Dave Grohl, the front man of Foo Fighters, said this song is about “being connected to someone so much that not only do you love them physically and spiritually, but when you sing along with them you harmonize perfectly.” The structure of this song is so dynamic. The three power chords painted a picture of hysterical heartbreak and helplessness.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

The chorus of this song is perfect for you and your friends to scream your heart out on a late-night road trip. This song makes me so nostalgic, and it just brings back memories of my carefree childhood. It’s like reliving every moment I had with my special groups of people. How did we grow up so fast?

“Lava Lamp” by Thundercat

“Lava Lamp” is a song about grief. A lava lamp itself perfectly evokes the pattern and movement of our grieving heart. Thundercat’s signature bassline and outstanding harmony tells us that even for a funky, carefree guy like himself, there is always a sensitive mind under the shell.

“Another Love” by Tom Odell

This is the one mainstream song that I will never complain about being overplayed. I saw Tom Odell back in 2017 and he played the concert with an unplugged piano the whole time. It was so gentle, but so powerful. “Another Love” touches the softest part in my heart.

“True Love Waits - Live in Oslo”

by Radiohead

“I’ll drown my beliefs … and true love lives, on lollipops and crisps,” Radiohead sings. The live version of this song features an acoustic guitar, and the strumming pattern put me to a whirl of sad thoughts. With this song playing in the background, I could look back at all the disappointing moments in my life, like movies flashing in my brain. Gut wrenching.

Scan

Campus News

Off-Campus News

Features

Layout

Editors-in-Chief

Visual Managing Editors Anna Carroll ’23, Jason Zhou ’23 Aidan Ma ’23, Carrie Shang ’23

Ryann Holladay ’24

Jennie Ki ’23

Ella Grindle ’24

Emilie Kirschner ’23

Winnie Liu ’24

Caroline Calello ’26

Stella Mueller ’26

Answers: Valentine’s Day crossword puzzle

Online Editor Opinion Arts & Leisure Sports Head Illustrator Social Media Managers

Staff Writers & Staff Contributers Colette Zidek ’23 & Holly Mason ’24

Faculty Advisers Alec Swartz, Nancy Body

Content Policy

The Hill News is the student-run newspaper of The Hill School. Content is determined by and reflects the views of the student editorial board and staff and not school officials or the School itself. The Hill News acts as an open forum for student expression where they have complete control over the content produced.

Jaewan Lee ’25

Corbin Cartagine ’23

Luke Gerdeman ’23

Rose Flaherty ’23

Adelyn Sim ’24

MoniYah Person-Henderson ’23

Diemmy Dang ’24

Want to contribute to The Hill News?

Come to our weekly meetings TBA or contact a member of our staff. To submit a letter to the editors or an opinion piece, email acarroll23@thehill.org, zzhou23@thehill.org, ama23@thehill.org, hshang23@thehill.org.