February 14th. A day every couple on campus marks on their calendar. Whether it’s students purchasing chocolates, flowers, or saxograms, the day proves importance to relationships no matter age or beliefs. Seniors, Dalton Johnston and Ayanna Purdie will be enjoying their third Valentine’s Day together and this one is bound to be the best yet.

Johnston and Purdie met freshman year in investigative science and hit it off right away. They started off as close friends, but they later decided to further expand their relationship by dating each other emotionally.

The lovebirds first official date was October 15th, 2016, and ever since then the couple has stayed bonded tightly. Their first Valentine’s Day was a common one. The couple exchanged gifts with each other and then later just spent the rest of the night watching movies together.

Their second Valentine’s Day was much of the same. Gifts being unwrapped with a chill dinner date to follow.

When asking Mr. Johnston if he thinks Valentine’s Day is stressful he shared a resounding no. “Valentine’s Day is not stressful for me no. I know no matter what I get her she will be happy with it and thankful that I put the time into it.”

For this year’s Valentine’s Day the experienced couple is planning on exploring their love at Skateland. The two are looking forward to skating with each other and celebrating their love for one another.

When asked if this special holiday has built their relationship the last few years it was a quick yes. “I do think we have become stronger as a couple because the more we get to know each other, the more free we can act around each other.”

“I would say one thing is similar about this Valentine’s Day from the first.  And that is that we are still madly in love,” Johnston said.

This couple, like the rest on campus, look to continue their sweet and magical love story on a sure to be memorable 2018 Valentine’s Day.