Imagine a love story that starts with a secret kiss in a closet at a friend’s party during middle school—sounds like something out of a movie, right? Well, that’s exactly how Megan Shoushani '17 and Kian Zar '17 began their relationship. They first met as middle schoolers—Megan attending Milken Community School and Kian at Sinai Akiba Academy—through mutual friends, but it was their time at Milken Community School that really set the stage for their romance.

Milken wasn't just a backdrop for their education—it was where they truly found each other. As they navigated the ups and downs of high school life, surrounded by classmates who would cheer them on, they shifted from being just friends to something more.

Their teenage love story features all the elements of an innocent romance, from sneaking kisses at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to relying on friends as lookouts. But as with many high school romances, the path wasn't always easy. Post-graduation, Megan and Kian faced the challenge of a long-distance relationship. Distance and time tested them, but their connection, fostered in the hallways and classrooms of Milken, proved strong.

Ultimately, both returned to Los Angeles, drawn back not just to their roots, but to each other, with a stronger, more mature love. Two years after reuniting, Kian proposed with a fairytale-like backdrop of flowers and swans. 

Now living together in Los Angeles, Megan and Kian describe their life as one continuous sleepover with their best friend. Megan is pursuing a career in nursing with a focus on aesthetics, while Kian has transitioned from hospitality to finance. They emphasized how Milken taught them core Jewish values that they can’t wait to pass onto their children in the future and the importance of tradition.