Charger News

Old friends together

Holley Roberts, Charger Staff

Everyone hears stories about people who grow up in the same town and stay together all their lives.  They play as little kids, remain friends and date in high school, and finally get married to live happily ever after while bragging, “Yes, I married my high school sweet-heart, and we just couldn’t be happier.”
Susan Luna and Jay Sandlin’s story doesn’t have a storybook ending, but they have known one another since pre-school, and Jay admits that he did chase little Susan around the playground every day until the second grade.  These two do have a past together, albeit not a romantic one.

They first met as pre-schoolers in a program called Mother’s Day Out and followed each other from there to Parkview, Capshaw, Prescott, Avery Trace and beyond. 

They say their relationship has lasted because of mutual friendships, involvement in sports and activities, and their love for theater. 

Both enjoy Broadway plays, which led to their current joint effort as the leads in the Cookeville High School production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 

Jay said, “This being my first big acting experience, I’m very pleased with the way everything is going.” 

Now that they’ve moved on from playgrounds and playing house, they’re playing house again, and they’ve been spending a good deal of time together. 
“Working with Jay and the rest of the cast has been quite an experience, and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Susan said.    

Sitting together at lunch, they laugh and joke like the old friends they are. The two defend themselves against one another’s lovingly sarcastic remarks and talk about comical rehearsal mishaps. 

They are also unfailingly complimentary of the cast and the fine arts faculty members who have combined their talents to bring this production to the stage. The cast has gelled and the results are spectacular.

Both shine in this production and bring to the stage the easygoing companionability and good humor they enjoy offstage as well.

As for the future, who knows where it will lead these two. We only know they wish the very best for each other.