At KO, students form all sorts of relationships over the years. But for some students, KO gives them not only lifelong friendships but also weddings! KO alums Abigail (formerly Mancinelli) and Jake Leshem are one of the few who have been able to find this at KO and have faculty, classes, and clubs to thank for that.
During their time in the KO Upper School, especially junior and senior years, Jake and Abbie found themselves in classes, clubs, and even advisee groups together, sparking a connection and the start of their relationship. “I remember we would always go to Shield & Dragon meetings together,” Abbie says excitedly.
Even though they had been at KO together since Form Two, eighth grade, Abbie and Jake found themselves beginning to talk in their Political Science class with former history science teacher Ann Serow. “We would always walk to class together and also student government since I was the speaker at the time and [Abbie was] a senator,” Jake shared. One fun fact Jake shared was that while he was senator, he helped to bring back the House system with York and Lancaster!
After graduating from KO in 2014, Abbie went on to study political science at Texas A&M, and Jake went to college at Northwestern. After dating all throughout college, Abbie and Jake tied the knot just this past year!
Their wedding was even more of a testament to the important relationships that are created during students’ times at KO. “We had our reception at the Delamar, so a few of us were looking back over at KO and just reminiscing about all of the amazing times and memories we have,” Abbie shared. “KO provided us with a lot of incredible friends, very like-minded people with similar values to us, and it’s been really great staying in touch with all of them.”
When looking back at KO, some of their favorite times included participating in Model U.N. together and going to senior prom.”I remember all of us had a really great time at senior prom,” Jake said.
For both Jake and Abbie, one teacher that stood out was their advisor junior and senior years, art teacher Scott McDonald. “Mr. Mcdonald was our advisor, so we would always hang out then, and I’d say that’s where we really got to know each other,” Abbie said. “We went back to KO last year for commencement since Jake’s sister, Ava, was graduating, and we saw Mr.. McDonald, and he said ‘I want all the credit,’ so that was pretty funny!”
When looking back on their time at KO, both of them agreed that KO not only provided them with amazing friends but also set them up for life in college and beyond. “I think that KO is really a place that prepares you educationally, but also maybe even maturity-wise,” Jake said. “You have the opportunity to meet so many people and make good relationships. I mean I’ve made an amazing relationship with Abbie but also have lifelong friends.”
Abbie and Jake were able to commemorate their time at KO by having their First Look on the Senior Green that started it all. Abbie and Jake’s relationship shows us the value of forming true, meaningful connections at KO and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way!
