Feb. 14 marks the official day of love. Whether the declaration of love is platonic, parental or romantic, Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday. With high school being a large hub for young love blossoming, we highlight two students who will be celebrating their third Valentine’s Day together. Canfield, a former varsity basketball player ,and Allen, an award Winning UIL theatre stage manager have navigated extracurriculars, the struggles of high school romance, and the uncertainties of their future seamlessly. The Seniors Carter Canfield and Saniya Allen give a glimpse into their loving relationship, favorite things about one another and future plans.
While they shared a class before and were close in proximity to one another, the couple didn’t connect romantically in the beginning. Instead, a specific school-related event sparked the two’s romance.
“We first met in [freshman year] English with Mrs. Gharbavi and Mr. Lane, but we never really talked [in class] . I think I said maybe a word or two to him,” Allen said. “We met each other again at a football game in October [of our sophomore year], and that’s when we really started talking and getting to know each other,” Canfield added.
While their initial meeting was at a football game, the pair has a collection of favorite dates and activities that stand out in their relationship as they continue to learn from each other.
“My favorite date so far has probably been our one-year anniversary date, when we found our favorite restaurant. We went to Fontina Ristorante in downtown McKinney, and it has the best Italian food I’ve ever had,” Canfield said.
In finding some of the best Italian food the two have had, they continue to grow and find out the little things about each other.
“My favorite thing about Saniya is how inclusive she is with everything. No matter if she’s going to do something with her friends or doing something for theatre, she always finds a way to include me … and make me a part of everything that she does,” Canfield said.
Likewise, Allen shares her appreciation for Canfield and what makes him special to her.
“My favorite thing about Carter is how thoughtful and caring he is. My birthday is in May, and I was talking about a stuffed animal I wanted in January, and he remembered when I was talking about it and got it for me [as a birthday gift],” Allen said.
After two years of dating, the couple really has built several lasting memories in their relationship. Allen shares her special core memory with Canfield.
“Since we met at a football game, I’ve really enjoyed going to our Emerson’s games these past few years, and then always getting Sonic with him after. It was always super fun,” Allen said.
Canfield also recalls his own favorite memory with Allen in their relationship journey.
“I think one of my favorite memories with Saniya is when we went to the Tree Oak Revival’s concert, which is a band I like a lot. She’s not the biggest country music fan by any means, but she made me feel really loved,” Canfield said.
Naturally, the reality of senior year relationships is the topic of potential long-distance relationships. However, Canfield and Allen have a plan and an optimism as they move into long-distance dating.
“I think it’s going to be good because with having separate lives, we can come together and talk about our days with each other, and strengthen our relationship through that,” Canfield said. “Something that gives me a lot of comfort is I know so many people who have done it before me. We’re not going to be the first couple to carve this path with one another,” Allen added.
Love is in the air at school, and that is in large part due to the commitment and care Allen and Canfield have shown in their relationship. The two are looking forward to what the future holds both individually and as a couple in the season of love.
