Romance looks different to everyone. Some are content with quiet, intimate moments, while others favor bold, public declarations. After last month, America found out what side of the debate Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce fall on.
On Aug. 26, 2025, Swift and Kelce shook the internet, announcing their engagement after two years together. This week, Shorecrest students and faculty (including YOUR English teacher and YOUR gym teacher) weigh in on the subject.
US Health Teacher and Coach Jonathan Tallon
Your gym teacher
Q: “Are you a fan of either Travis Kelce or Taylor Swift?”
A: “You know, it is hard not to admire Taylor just from the sheer volume of stuff that she has done. I really enjoyed her suing that producer to get her own music back, and I think that is kind of an important thing. Travis is a great football player, and just from a coaching/athletic standpoint, it is fun to watch him play.
Q: “Do you think Taylor Swift is truly talented, or is she overrated?”
A: “No, I think she is talented. I mean, one of the smart things she did was have a lot of really good people around her. She’s got good musicians and good producers. Because she creates so much of her own music, she’s got a lot of say in what goes on, which is great. Is she Joni Mitchell or Joan Baez, I don’t think so. But what she does is really amazing.”
Q: “Do you think that this engagement might signal Travis’ retirement since his NFL contract expires at the end of the 2025 season?”
A: “I mean honestly, I thought he was gonna retire last year. The Chiefs have been to the playoffs ‘x’ number of years in a row. It’s a lot of road miles on the body. He’s in a tough position where he is getting hit at almost every play. So I was surprised he didn’t retire already.”
US English Teacher and Grade 10 Dean Heather Elouej
Your English teacher
Q: “Are you a Taylor Swift or a Chiefs fan? If not, how did you hear about the engagement?”
A: “I certainly appreciate Taylor Swift, but I wouldn’t consider myself a Swiftie-level, hyper-engaged fan like some people I know. I am definitely not a Chiefs fan. I’m from Georgia, so I’ve always rooted for Atlanta. I heard about the engagement from students, who excitedly entered my classroom on the day of Swift’s engagement, proclaiming that Travis Kelce had popped the question, and she’d accepted. I immediately went online to read about it — of course.”
Q: “Did you see the engagement photos? What were your first thoughts?”
A: “I saw the engagement photos on social media. The engagement made me happy because I’m a fan of love, and this couple seems to be genuinely, deeply connected. I thought the statement Taylor posted was charming, too: ‘Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.’”
Q: “Do you think Taylor is a good role model for younger women? Why or why not?”
A: “Yes, Taylor is a strong role model for younger women because she’s a boss. She’s creative in more ways than just musically: She’s a talented songwriter and singer, a masterful businessperson and she stands up for herself and others.”
Senior Alexia Bucci
Longtime Swiftie and two-time attendee of the Eras Tour
Q: “Where did you hear about the engagement first?”
A: “My friend actually texted me, and I was really surprised because I was talking about that with my mom for two years, basically.
Q: “How long have you been a fan?”
A: “I have been a fan of hers since I was younger. I was probably 6 when I started really listening to her. I kind of stopped for a little bit, but then I started listening to her again in 2021.”
Q: “Are you a fan of Travis Kelce or the Chiefs in general?”
A: “I wasn’t before, but I am now.”
Freshman Alex Leblanc
Not a fan of Taylor or Kelce
Q: “Do you listen to Taylor Swift’s music?”
A: “If I’m in the car, and it’s on the radio, I’ll listen to it then. I can’t control the radio.”
Q: “Taylor announced her engagement on Instagram, featuring a photoshoot, flowers, all that jazz. Could you see yourself announcing your engagement in the same exact way?”
A: “That’s a good question, but no, I think that is doing too much. But in the end, it’s kind of whatever the other person wants. I don’t really care.”
Q: “Do you think the relationship will last or not?”
A: “Don’t know, don’t care. Not in the loop.”