High school is full of relationships; some are meaningless, some real, and some that last even after high school ends.

Sia Zavakos, 2011 LZHS graduate, began dating Patrick Nieto, 2011 LZHS graduate, on November 1 of her sophomore year. Now, as seniors in college, Zavakos and Nieto have been dating for over 6 years.

“Dating someone from high school is only good when you still make each other happy after so many years,” Zavakos said. “It’s also great because we share almost all of the same memories from high school and Lake Zurich and in general, and we still share the same best friends. When we make new friends together from places outside of LZ it’s really special being able to tell the stories together and laugh.”

Although there are many advantages and upsides to dating someone since high school, Zavakos admits there are a few downsides.

“[The worst part] is getting barraged with the “when’s the wedding?” question. It’s something we don’t talk about,” Zavakos said. “We are still so young and we have an entire life ahead of us, anything can happen.”

According to Zavakos, the positives of being high school sweethearts outweigh the negatives, and she has learned so much about relationships because of it.

“Don’t let college, life after high school, or long distance scare you. If we didn’t do long distance for over a year, who knows if we would still be together. It also can teach you more about yourself and what you want in a relationship,” Zavakos said. “Also, never give up good opportunities in your life for the sake of the relationship; that’s not what love is about. Your significant other should always support your success, otherwise the relationship probably won’t be healthy.”