What started out as a conventional day at the 11th-grade Philosophy class, was now a class filled with conversation and noise. People were out of their seats and bombarding the teacher with questions. This was all because the teacher, Felipe Naranjo, had made an announcement –he was getting married.

This year, that revelation has been quite common in TCS’ high school. Two teachers have recently tied the knot, and a third one is planning to soon. All quite different stories that are making TCS students believe in love once again.

Announcements and privacy

The second person that got married in the past months is the 10th-grade algebra teacher, Avery Berkowitz. Seeing as he had to take some time off for the wedding and honeymoon, he was forced to tell his classes the news.

“This year I had to tell them because I had to miss some time for the wedding, so I told them why I was missing time,” said Berkowitz.

Although Berkowitz ultimately told his students, he admits he prefers keeping his personal life private from them.

“I mean my personal life is my personal life, but also were human beings and were sharing lots of time at school with each other so of course personal life gets mixed up with school. Just have to keep it controlled,” said Berkowitz when asked about his privacy. “I don’t share personal information with [students] that often,” he added.

On the other hand, Naranjo told each class up-front that he was getting married, and even agreed to answer some questions they had afterward. Being so direct caused quite a reaction from the students, who were shamelessly excited for him.

Student response

Teacher love stories are student favorites. They expose parts of the mysterious lives teachers have outside of school. Which makes students yearn for details.

“I like hearing about teachers getting married. I think it’s cool to realize they actually have a life outside of school. This year has been crazy with lots of teachers getting married. We’ll see next year,” said junior Sofia Barros.

The recent love wave has undeniably been enough to keep TCS students on the edge of their seats. Especially after the news that Bill Beauchamp, the chemistry and AP Biology teacher, will be getting married.

“I was super excited about Felipe Naranjo’s wedding. I remember freaking out the day I found out and trying to find pictures of it online; same for when we were told Berkowitz was married. Also, finding out Beauchamp is getting married was shocking,” 11th grader Eliana Lopez said.

Ceremony and honeymoon

Berkowitz got married last September. Like many other Columbus School teachers, he fell in love with a Colombian girl. He decided to have the ceremony in the country, which lead to some obstacles.

“I had to organize 50 people from the states, their travel, where they were staying, and none of them speak any Spanish, so that was interesting,” said Berkowitz.

Naranjo opted for an untraditional wedding, that followed his and his wife’s spiritual beliefs.

“The wedding was a yogi ceremony at a place called Atman Yoga. We went for something alternative because my wife and I really enjoy yoga. Inside that world there are lots of rituals, which we found interesting because you can connect with them, ” shared Naranjo.

For his honeymoon, Naranjo traveled to a coastal Colombian destination known for its eco-tourism.

“The honeymoon was in Nuquí in Choco. It is a beautiful place, and we got to see whales which was very memorable,” said Naranjo.