Mr. and Mrs. Clegg

The Clegg’s celebrated their 23rd anniversary last weekend, but it’s a love story that almost never happened. 

It all started at a winery in Seattle the summer after Mrs. Clegg’s senior year of college. Being from Chicago, she was about to start her student teaching out in Seattle for the year. Mr. Clegg was out in the city visiting a college roommate, and they happened to run into each other at the tasting bar following the tour.

“People always think that we met at the high school,” Mrs. Clegg said. “He asked me to help him buy a bottle of wine at the winery, and he jokes that I offered him the most expensive one.”

The story almost ended there: Mr. Clegg took off with his friends without getting her number. 

However, he told his friends that he felt like he should go back to ask her out. They said that if they were turning the car around, he had to go in there and wasn’t allowed to chicken out. So when Mrs. Clegg saw him walk back in a half hour later, she had a feeling something was up.

“I was like, ok this guy’s going to ask me out,” she said. 

From there they got to talking and found out that they were both teachers. A few date nights and an instant connection later, they found themselves dating long distance for six months.

It wasn’t until a business teacher at LFHS quit in the middle of the school year – an extremely rare occurrence – that Mrs. Clegg took the job and they were united once again here in Lake Forest. 

“I swear that’s the short version,” Mrs. Clegg said. “It’s kind of a crazy story.”

Aside from teaching, they both have a shared passion for track and running, where they spent their afternoons together coaching the track team. Mrs. Clegg said that coaching together, which they have only just gotten back into the past two years, is “really special.”

“I actually get to see him, and we can have a bit more fun that way,” she said. “When you’re teaching together you have to be more serious, but coaching is a lot more fun… having that connection has been really cool for me.”

Their shared passion for track translates into a shared passion for any outdoor activity. In the winter, Mrs. Clegg loves snow-shoeing, so Mr. Clegg loves doing that with her. He especially enjoys when all of their shared interests, especially involving their kids, come together.

“This weekend we got to go out to the East Coast, see our son compete in college, see our friends, and soon our daughter will be doing the same thing in college,” Mr. Clegg said. “It was super fun to be able to combine a bunch of things that we like to do together.”

Doing outdoorsy activities are some of their favorite things to do together. A trip to Aruba for Mrs. Clegg’s 40th birthday was one of their most memorable trips, but the small things mean the most too. Mr. Clegg is an extremely thoughtful gift giver, getting her things she would never get herself and always coming up with something unique even after 23 years of marriage. 

Of course, a strong relationship incorporates personality and humor, which is one of many things Mrs. Clegg loves about her husband.

“He is actually quite hysterical. We as a family laugh all of the time because he keeps everything upbeat and happy. My home life is just really happy because he’s just really fun,” she said. 

Mr. Clegg loves her dedication to the things she does in life. 

“Whether that’s working out, organizing things for our family, being committed to being a good dean and teacher here at the school, or anything like that, she’s really passionate… Anything she takes on is going to be done to a high level,” he said. 

Even though working together seems foreign to many, it’s all the Clegg’s have ever known. They couldn’t imagine their life without it, and they’re grateful for the special relationship they get to have. 

“We’ve just always worked together for the last 20 something years. We don’t see each other a ton, but I really like being able to talk to her about work and to see her at lunch. I don’t know what it’s like not to work with my wife. It’s really nice,” he said. 

Madeleine Axus and Brady Harper

Who’s a better boyfriend to have than your teammate’s brother? For Madeleine and Brady, it was a natural match, all thanks to Brady’s sister, Reese Harper, who is one of Madeleine’s teammates on the dance team. 

After almost a year of dance team members encouraging Madeleine to date Reese’s brother Brady, she developed a small crush on him. They didn’t start to get to know each other until this last summer. 

The two of them have been dating for 5 months and it all started when Brady needed a ride home from a park right next to Madeleine’s house. 

“Originally, we met through Reese (Brady’s sister) but the first time we hung out, I walked over to Waveland Park right next to my house to wait with Brady for someone to come pick him up,” Madeleine said. 

For those that know this couple, it’s no secret they complement each other as Brady brings the energy and Madeleine is always there to rein it all in. Once Brady got to know Madeleine, it was no secret that she too had a “loud side.” 

“My favorite thing about her is definitely her personality, she is always fun to be around,” Brady said. 

It is never a dull moment with Brady as Madeleine describes him as very open with himself and his personality.

“My favorite thing about Brady is his humor and how he always makes me laugh,” Madeleine said. 

Brady enjoys everything they do together, but amidst all of the dates they have been on, there seems to be two favorites: golfing and movies. What is better than getting a hole in one? Or sitting down to watch Smile 2 (their favorite movie)? Who wouldn’t want to bond over a horror movie?

“My favorite date was when we went and watched the new smile movie,” Brady said.  

Although that movie is one that not many can’t even watch, to Brady, it’s perfect 3rd date material. 

Madeleine loves when they go out to eat together, and with Valentine’s day just around the corner, they have plans to do just that. There already seem to be many things on their to-do list.

“We are going to get brunch, then go to a basketball game, then we are going ice skating after,” Brady said. 

As for Reese, it’s pure entertainment to see both sides of the relationship as she doubles as a teammate and a sister!  

“I think it’s so cute how they finally started dating after I tried to set them up last year when Madeleine had a little crush on Brady. Once they started to hangout this past summer, they kept it a secret from me for a while, which is funny because I always wanted them to start dating anyway. Now seeing them together is so fun and their personalities match so well,” Reese said.

Aedan Cassidy and Anna Jasper

Anna and Aedan, Aedan and Anna – you really cannot say one without the other. These two have been inseparable for seven months! 

If you ask any one of their friends, they’ll tell you how easy it is to see how they just click. 

“Aedan is my best friend and the first person that I want to tell all of my stories to! He has an effortlessly comforting presence that puts everyone around him at ease.” Jasper said.  

“My favorite thing about Anna is her personality and how she never fails to make my day better whenever I see her,” Cassidy said. “She has a way of making me laugh and smile no matter the circumstances.” 

They can both attest to their ideal time spent being together, whether it’s hanging out watching a good movie or going out to dinner.

“We like going out to dinner – it’s always a fun challenge trying to find a restaurant we both want to eat at (I always make him pick because I’m too indecisive!)” Jasper said. 

They both love going on fun double dates with their best friends. (Shoutout to Tess and Charlie!) 

And it doesn’t stop there, these two are the cutest and most considerate gift-givers.

“I mentioned one time I liked my friend’s mittens and how I wanted a pair. For Christmas, he learned how to knit and made me a pair of mittens. He even showed me the many pairs he made while trying to perfect them. It’s the most thoughtful and effort-filled gift I’ve ever received!” Jasper said. 

They both never fail to encourage and support each other in everything they do. Every Friday night this fall, Anna would perfectly match the theme and cheer for the Scouts. 

“It always made my night when I saw Anna in the stands at the end of our games when everyone else left. It made our wins even more special!” Cassidy said. 

They are the best couple to third wheel with, whether it’s during study hall or outside of school,  you never feel left out – just included in their easy-going vibe. Happy Valentine’s Day, you two!

Graydon Duncan and Camille Brincat

July 5th. Mark your calendars because senior Graydon Duncan and junior Camille Brincat will be celebrating their two-year anniversary. The couple first met on a warm summer afternoon back in 2023 when they agreed to go on a double date with mutual friends. 

“We got along really well, and one of my favorite things about her is how funny she is,” said Duncan. 

Maybe it was love at first sight or thanks to the viral “red nail theory” since Camille had a painted her nails a fresh coat of red nail polish days before the couple first met. 

“It was funny because I always paint my nails red and then there was this trend on TikTok telling girls that painting your nails red will make you seem more attractive to guys. All of my friends were joking about it once I started dating Graydon,” said Brincat. 

Since then, their relationship has been filled with farmers market dates, Zach Bryan concerts, lunches at Foodstuffs, and of course, many LFHS school dances. 

“We’ve gone to five dances together. Whether Graydon is late because of golf or I’m changing my dress last minute, each dance has been chaotic in its own way, but that’s what makes it fun!” said Brincat. 

Between February and July, they couple also looks forward to April 18th as they both share the same birthday. No matter what time of year, these two are always having fun together. Make sure to wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day this Friday!

Lucas Kroner and Mckenzy Hoopis

It was 5th grade orientation “web day,”circa 2017. Senior Lucas Kroner spotted Mckenzy Hoopis in town after orientation. And then it started: his first middle school crush. What’s better than middle school love?

Although they did “date” in middle school, they officially started dating their freshman year, on February 13, 2022.  

Kroner and Hoopis have also been in the same friend group since they met in 5th grade, and those close to them also describe this couple as best friends.

“Since we’ve been dating for so long, he has grown to be somebody that I do everything with and talk to about everything. He’s really not just my boyfriend, but also my best friend,” Hoopis said.

If you ask any of their friends, they will tell you that it is clear they have fun together, and really are best friends!

“Just spending time with her in general is my favorite thing to do together. Anything I’m doing with her is fun,” said Kroner.

Hoopis and Kroner have been so supportive of each other over the years; whether it is at Lucas’ lacrosse games or Mckenzy’s senior night, this couple always shows up for each other.

“Lucas is really supportive to me in everything that I do, and he always is there for me,” Hoopis said. 

As their three year anniversary is today,  it’s exciting to look back on their memories together over the past 3 years. One of their favorite things to do together is go to concerts!

“My favorite date we’ve been on was the Luke Combs concert together. I loved that and we just had so much fun together,” said Hoopis.

“We went and saw Luke Bryan at The United Center. He was so good, and we both love his music which made the concert so exciting,” Kroner said.

With this couple, the fun doesn’t stop! They’ve been through many years of holidays and birthdays, and have gotten each other gifts to match each occasion. As they have gotten to know each other well, their gifts have gotten better and better.

“Mckenzy got me tickets to a really nice Blackhawks game for our three years. Going to the city or doing something new together is something we love to do,” said Kroner. 

It is no secret that spending time with this couple really is double the fun. Their personalities bounce off each other, and no matter what they are doing together – you can always count on them for a good time. Happy Valentines day you two!