After four years of dating, high school sweethearts and SHC seniors Bailey Parrish and Tony Zelena got engaged on December 21, 2018.

The couple attended high school in Destin, Florida which was where they first met. Looking back on their first date, Bailey said, “I was so nervous because I had a crush on him for a while before that, and I ended up barely eating because of nerves.”

Tony proposed in Destin surrounded by Bailey’s family to commemorate their journey from the first time they met. When asked if they both planned to attend Spring Hill College, Tony said, “Bailey got accepted and then I got a rugby scholarship, so it kind of worked out. I had no idea what I was going to do, and we weren’t sure what would happen for a while. But when we both found out we were going to Spring Hill, we were so excited.”

Many friends and classmates around campus were thrilled to hear about the engagement and wanted to know how surprised Bailey was. Bailey commented, “I knew that it was going to happen soon, but I didn’t know the exact time that it was coming. I am very impressed that he was able to hide it from me for so long because of how well we know each other.”

Bailey is currently finishing her last semester at Spring Hill, as well as trying to plan the wedding. Tony shared, “Being engaged is fun. We’re nervous because we have no idea where we’re going to move, but we will figure it out.” The wedding is set for February of 2020, but Bailey and Tony have already begun to work out the details.

Bailey and Tony have grown closer over the past three and a half years at Spring Hill. They lived in the same dorm, Toolen Hall, freshman year and spent most of their time together. One of Bailey’s favorite memories at Spring Hill is Eno-ing outside in the trees together or taking walks around campus. Tony’s favorite Spring Hill memories include attending events with Bailey such as Mardi Gras balls, formals and invite parties.

Bailey is a graphic design major and spends most of her time in the Integrated Multimedia Center. She added, “I always appreciate the times when Tony comes with me to the Mac lab and spends late nights with me.” Tony values the time he spends with Bailey even if it is to keep her company while she works.

The happy couple is unsure of their plans for Valentine’s Day, but they are planning on starting the day with a heart-shaped platter of chicken minis from Chick-fil-A.