The love found in pure friendship is often overshadowed by fiery romance, but friendship offers an emotional depth that is just as meaningful. Being “just friends” does not make a relationship any less special.

“Viv (Vivian Stanton, 9) has always been great to talk to, I never feel judged by her, and I can tell her everything on my mind, I always have,” freshman Allison Yontz said, “She’s really supportive and reliable.”

Their friendship began when Yontz joined Ms Colvin’s kindergarten class at Tanglewood months later. 

Though she was the new kid, making friends came easily, and by recess she was playing with Stanton.

As the years passed, their friendship only grew stronger. However, a major challenge tested that bond when Yontz, a military kid, learned in sixth grade that she would be moving back to Oklahoma. 

“I’d had her my whole life, and suddenly she wasn’t there anymore,” Stanton said.

After one final sleepover, the girls separated. Though very briefly.

Just two months later, Yontz returned, thanks to her father traveling frequently so they could reunite. A year later, his retirement brought Yontz back permanently.

Now in high school, the girls celebrate nearly ten years of friendship, unchanged by distance or time.