During the spring of 2023, Josie made the last minute decision to check a small box while registering for classes. This decision to be open to taking an emergency call to teach a year in a WELS school before her senior year at MLC changed everything.

While in Argentina on a trip with MLC, Josie got notified she received an emergency call to teach at Divine Peace Lutheran School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland for the 2023-2024 school year. After prayer and deliberation, she accepted!

Cooper was working in the Washington, D.C. area with the Air Force and attending a sister WELS Church. During the fall, Cooper hosted a Packer Party at his house where he and Josie hit it off. Shortly after the Packer Party, they started dating and seeing each other anytime they could.

Together, they traveled home for Christmas, Pennsylvania for skiing, Shenandoah for hiking, and many other trips. After Josie finished teaching in May, they spent a lot of the summer together, including spending time in northern Wisconsin.

Cooper proposed on the pontoon boat while watching the sunset on a beautiful August evening.

Josie is currently at MLC completing her senior year. Cooper is working for GDIT in the Washington, D.C. area. After Josie graduates in Spring, they will move together to where she gets a divine call to teach.