JOY + KEENAN

photo | Kelly Costello

JOY + KEENAN

Classroom Proposal

One Monday in December, Keenan didn’t go back to Oklahoma because he had “training” for work in Houston. I was at school and received an email to report to the Assistant Principal’s office to discuss information regarding cheer. I knocked on a neighbor’s door and nervously asked her neighbor to watch my students for a minute and propped my door open. After I finished up in the main office, I made my way back to my classroom to find the door was shut. When I opened my door, I saw my students standing at the front of the room and holding signs that said WILL YOU MARRY ME? I was completely overwhelmed and didn’t realize both of our sisters were recording everything! Keenan emerged from behind the students with flowers and a small box. Before he could get even get down on one knee, I said YES and the room erupted in laughter at my excitement and impatience. Keenan finally popped the big question with a huge smile on his face. I was crying at this point and said YES (again)! Turns out they had been planning and communicating with my Assistant Principal for weeks about the proposal. The weekend before, Keenan talked to my parents to ask for my hand in marriage. I’m so thankful that my family, co-workers, and students were all able to share this experience with us!