Outside their third floor classrooms, Spanish teachers Alina Pinney and Lauren Robbins greet students with a cheerful “¡Hola!,” a routine that started when Pinney began teaching at the high school last year.
Pinney said she first met Robbins when Pinney was hired in April of 2024.
“I was put in contact with Ms. Robbins, and so she’s been my point person since then,” she explained.
Robbins said she helped review applicants for Pinney’s position.
“Ms. Pinney was definitely the strongest candidate,” she said. “It is just an added bonus that we are friends now.”
Beyond teaching the same subject, Pinney and Robbins serve as Link Crew coordinators and Ski Club chaperones. They both attend the school’s book club as well, Robbins added.
Pinney said her friendship with Robbins extends outside of school.
Pinney said she and Robbins live a few doors down from each other in the same apartment building.
“It’s also nice to be able to borrow things from each other,” she added. They spend time with their friend groups together in Italian Village or the Short North, Pinney explained.
Robbins said the pair’s many shared interests allow them to enjoy spending time together.
“We both really like to read and stay active, go on walks, traveling and we love to compare travel stories,” she said.
Pinney said she and Robbins have made each other better teachers and people.
“I’m so grateful for Ms. Robbins and so impressed by how great of a teacher and colleague she is,” Pinney said.
Robbins said she has learned a lot from her friendship with Pinney.
“She’s taught me to have more confidence,” Robbins said. “That’s something I really admire and something I try and emulate.”
Published and digitized February 2026.
