From Classmates to Couples: SkyHawk Love Stories

In honor of Valentine’s Day this month, we’re celebrating the timeless love stories of couples who found their “happily ever after” at Skutt Catholic. Some lucky alumni of Skutt Catholic share a special bond that goes beyond memories of football games, prom nights, and pep rallies – they found their soulmates in high school before they even graduated. Years later, they are happily married, carrying with them the deep connection that started when they were just teenagers in the halls of Skutt Catholic. Join us as we dive into the beautiful tales of couples whose high school meeting blossomed into marriages that continue to soar.

A Perfect Equation: Friendship and “Happily Ever After” Skutt Catholic

Steve Conlin ‘02 and Ashley Finochiaro’s ‘02 love story began in the halls of Skutt Catholic, where they first met in Geometry class during their freshman year. Seated next to each other, they quickly formed a connection, but it wasn’t until their junior year that they started dating at age 17.

Throughout high school, they shared many memories together, from attending sporting events—especially state wrestling—to enjoying Junior and Senior Prom and spending time with friends, particularly at Dan Hatz’s house. These moments laid the foundation for a lasting relationship.

On June 30, 2007 Steve and Ashley tied the knot. Their wedding party was filled with several Skutt Catholic alumni: Stephanie Balkovec ‘02, Jessie Odorisio Conlin ‘05, Bob Finochiaro ‘03, Mark Finochiaro ‘05, Bryan Finochiaro ‘07, and the late Cash Coolidge ‘04.
Today, the couple is busy raising three active children—Makenna (13), Shawn (11), and Ryan (8). Steve is a firefighter with the Omaha Fire Department, while Ashley works as a physical therapist at OrthoNebraska. Though their kids’ hectic sports schedules keep them on their toes, they always make time for family and love to travel when they can.

Love Soars: Taking Flight on Their Forever Adventure

Gabby Giesler ‘16 and Jarrett Damewood’s ‘16 love story began when they were just 15 years old, in their freshman year at Skutt Catholic. Gabby was close friends with Jarrett’s twin sister, Macy Damewood Urban ‘16, which gave them plenty of opportunities to spend time together and get to know each other as friends. Their bond grew naturally, and by the end of freshman year, they began dating.

Throughout high school, they created lasting memories, with many of their favorite moments revolving around Skutt Catholic’s dances—Homecoming, Winter Formal and Junior and Senior Proms. They also enjoyed supporting each other in their athletic pursuits, with Gabby cheering for Jarrett at football games and attending his baseball games and tournaments.
After high school, Gabby and Jarrett’s journey together continued, and they tied the knot on December 31, 2022, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Their wedding was a true celebration of their Skutt Catholic roots, with several alumni in their wedding party, including their best man, Mojo Hagge ’16, and maid of honor, Alexa Narke ’16. Other familiar faces included Macy Damewood Urban ’16, Ian Urban ’16, Nikki White ’17, Nolan Schwartz ’22, and Addie Schwartz ’24.

Now Gabby and Jarrett are living an adventurous life. Jarrett serves as an active-duty fighter pilot in the F-15E Strike Eagle community, and they are currently stationed in England at RAF Lakenheath. Before this assignment they lived in Texas and North Carolina. Gabby works remotely for Boys Town in their marketing department and recently celebrated her five-year work anniversary. When they’re not busy with their careers, they enjoy spending time with their 4-year-old miniature dachshund, Ace, and traveling around Europe exploring new countries.

Lucky in Love: From Childhood Classmates, to German Class, to Forever

Erin Woolman ‘10 and Spenser Masching’s ‘10 first meeting wasn’t in high school, but rather, many years before at Willowdale Elementary in Omaha. Erin fondly recalls her first memory of Spenser in the computer lab at the library, where they were often seated next to each other. Their paths continued to cross as they both attended Russell Middle School and eventually graduated together from Skutt Catholic in 2010. However, despite years of shared classrooms, they didn’t begin dating until later in life.

Though they weren’t a couple in high school, they did have one memorable connection—taking German class together all four years at Skutt Catholic. Their favorite teacher, Frau C, made the class so much fun, and they even took trips to the language fair in Lincoln a few years in a row, winning first place along the way.

After college, Erin and Spenser would run into each other at Barrett’s Pub on St. Patrick’s Day, where they made it a tradition to share a shot of Jameson. It wasn’t until years later in 2019, after high school and college, that they finally started dating.

Their relationship came full circle when they married on October 7, 2023. Their wedding day was nothing short of amazing, with many Skutt Catholic alumni in their wedding party. The groom’s party included several SkyHawks: Cooper Bolding (future Skutt Catholic student), Dave Gottschalk ‘10, Danny Phelps ‘10, Ryan Leonardo ‘10, Jon Keck ‘10, Michael Guinane ‘10, Jared Bolding ‘04, and Jackson Bolding ‘28. The bridesmaids featured Michaela Masching Bolding ‘04, Megan Spellman Tiffey ‘02, Sydney Masching ‘14, and Alexis Tiffey ‘28.

Erin and Spenser are enjoying their life together in Omaha with their dog, Herbie. Erin works as a mental health therapist, while Spenser is a commercial insurance broker. Outside of their careers, they share hobbies such as attending concerts, snowboarding and skiing in Colorado (with Erin as the snowboarder and Spenser the skier), and cooking and grilling out during the warmer months. They also enjoy cheering on their favorite teams- they are true Jayskers- supporting Husker football and Creighton basketball. Traveling is another passion they share, having visited Italy and Germany last year.

From Friends to Forever: Josh and Mia’s Journey from Skutt Catholic Classmates to Soulmates

Josh White ‘20 and Mia Rotella ‘20 met in their freshman year second period Character Skills class. At just 14 years old, they shared four classes together, but they didn’t talk until after a football game when Josh tried to impress Mia. Unfortunately for Josh, Mia wasn’t interested at the time—but he was convinced he had made an impression. Determined, he decided to ask her to Homecoming during another football game. Mia initially said yes, but later that night, she politely declined over text.

Despite the early rejection, Josh and Mia became fast friends—emphasis on friends (at least according to Mia). But by junior year, Mia finally gave in, and from that moment on, they were inseparable.

On September 9, 2023, they tied the knot, celebrating with Skutt Catholic alumni who filled the dance floor all night long. Now, Josh and Mia live in Omaha, with their two dogs: a sassy 1.5-year-old Doberman and a sweet 2-year-old Rottweiler-Poodle mix. Mia works as an Administrator at Rotella’s Italian Bakery, while Josh is an Operations Manager at Job Source USA.

They love adventure, long walks with their pups, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on Niko Rotella (Mia’s brother) as he wrestles for Skutt Catholic. Skutt Catholic played a huge role in their lives—not only did it bring them together, but it also gave them lifelong friends, a great education, and an unforgettable high school experience.

From Freshman Orientation to a Lifetime of Love

Kylie Young ‘16 and Ben Zerzan’s ‘16 love story began in the halls of Skutt Catholic during freshman orientation day in 2012. Their last names placed them in the same homeroom, but it wasn’t until their sophomore year in 2013 that their relationship truly began. Their lockers were right next to each other, sparking the connection that would last a lifetime.
Throughout high school, they supported each other’s passions. Ben played football and baseball, while Kylie was on the dance team. They loved attending each other’s games and competitions, and cherished the memories made at homecoming, prom, and hanging out with friends.

After high school, their relationship continued to grow, and they got married on June 8, 2024, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, with a reception at Ackerhurst Dairy Farm. Their wedding was a celebration of their Skutt Catholic roots, with many alumni joining in the festivities. The wedding party included several familiar faces: Maid of Honor Emily Jonas ‘16, Lindsay Willis ’16, Hannah Kavan ‘16, Sydney Zerzan ‘14, Keegan Young ‘14, and several Podraza family members (RJ Podraza ‘18, Chris Podraza ‘15, Adam Podraza ‘13).
Kylie and Ben currently live in Omaha with their dog, Marley. Kylie works as a pediatric occupational therapist at CRCC, while Ben is in medical device sales for Medtronic. They enjoy life together and are excited for the future.

Want to be featured in a future SkyHawk love story blog? Email lauralarson@skuttcatholic.com to be included!