Married couples at Ben Davis
While love may seem to only be in the air for the hearts of the students at Ben Davis, some of our staff are under Cupid’s spell, too. There are currently three married couples who work at Ben Davis together: the Montgomery’s, the Shannon’s and the newlywed Abney’s.
Working in the same building would be a challenge for most, but it’s one that all of the couples embrace and enjoy. Here’s what they all had to say about their marriage and their working relationship at Ben Davis.
The Montgomery’s: Debbie (Career Center) and Mark (Performing Arts)
(Answered by Debbie)
Place they first met: University of Indianapolis
Anniversary date: August 26, 1978.
Children: Two children, Jason, 31 and Stephanie, 27.
Does working in the same school change anything, good or bad? “Because we work at opposite ends of the school, we have little chance to see each other during the school day. It comes in handy if I forget my lunch money.”
Would you prefer to work in different schools, or like both being here at BD? “I like that we are both at the same school because we have common working conditions, colleagues, and working structure. There are some times when this is tricky, as well. Because we do work at the same school, we sometimes bring school home with us when we should be thinking and doing other things.”
Are there any other hobbies or activities you do together? “We worked together periodically on theater productions and have actually produced some for Wayne Township Education Foundation. We ride bikes, watch television, and liked to watch movies. We love to travel with our kids whenever possible.”
Favorite/craziest/most interesting memory? Mark proposed to me by tripping me while walking across the U of I campus. I dropped all of books and everything which went flying in the mud. When I bent down to pick up my books, he took out a box with a ring and asked if I would marry him. He figured that would be a true test of our love. By the way, I did say yes.”
The Shannon’s: Dustin (Math) and Sarah (Math)
(Answered by Dustin)
Place they first met: Working here at Ben Davis.
Anniversary Date: September 17, 2010
Children: None
Does working in the same school change anything, good or bad? “I like knowing that I could see her or talk to her at any point throughout the day. We can relate to each others problems because we’ve had a lot of the same issues and same kids. And it’s nice because we ride to work together everyday, so we only need one vehicle!”
Would you prefer to work in different schools, or like both being here at BD? “Both being here definitely. Now that we’ve worked at the same place for so long, I’m not sure I’d like to teach someone else where she wasn’t also there with me.”
Are there any other hobbies or activities you do together? “We both enjoy going on bike rides, and trying out new restaurants.”
Favorite/craziest/most interesting memory at BD? “It’s not really crazy, but I always get a laugh out of how many people go to the wrong person’s classroom during those first couple days of the semester. They look at the name on the door and just go in. Which is funny to me because I don’t think I look like a Sarah.”
The Abney’s: Brian (Counselor) and Jennifer (Math)
(Answered by both)
Place they first met: Here at Ben Davis
Anniversary Date: June 27, 2014
Children: None
Does working in the same school change anything, good or bad? “Doesn’t really change anything working at the same school. We have the same schedule so that is easy to plan around.” -Brian
Would you prefer to work in different schools, or like both being here at BD? “I like being at BD together, but wouldn’t feel much different about working in separate school either!” -Jennifer
Are there any other hobbies or activities you do together? “We both run, like to travel, spend time with our families, and golf (working on that with her!)” -Brian
Favorite/craziest/most interesting memory at BD? “The first time the students found out we were dating we were at BW3’s after a football game and one of the football players saw us walk in and sit together with the other coaches.” -Brian
“Most interesting memory working together is at all staff meetings when Sherman Woodard has something funny to say about us in front of everyone!” -Jennifer
