VOLUME CXXII. SPECIAL ISSUE
February 14, 2023
The Neeses set a high bar for Hill School sweethearts
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
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. 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.”
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
PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY NEESE ’00
The Neese family poses infront of the Eiffel Tower.
By CARRIE SHANG ’23 VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR
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.
“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 Everything changed though during the winter term. “We really got to know
Valentine’s Day crossword puzzle
Jason’s heartbreak playlist for those who are not yet over the Hill
Editors’ Note
By ANNA CARROLL ’23 & JASON ZHOU ’23 Editors-in-Chief
SATIRE: Follow this survival guide for Hill singles FEATURES | Page 2
FEATURES | Page 2
Happy cry to these rom-com picks FEATURES | Page 3
FEATURES | Page 4
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. ILLUSTRATIONS BY AIDAN MA ’23