> At a Glance
> – Zoe Kampf‘s preschool students threw her a surprise bridal shower on Dec. 12
> – Fiancé Sean Folloder coordinated the celebration ahead of their January 2026 wedding
> – The couple, who met as toddlers at Shlenker School, reconnected during summer camp in 2021
> – Why it matters: A heartwarming story showing how school communities celebrate milestones
Zoe Kampf walked into her Shlenker School classroom on December 12 to find cookies, decorations, and her preschool students wearing floral tiaras and bow ties. The surprise bridal shower was orchestrated by her fiancé Sean Folloder, who enlisted the help of her students to celebrate their upcoming January 2026 wedding.
The Sweet Surprise
The classroom transformation caught Kampf completely off guard. Her students presented her with a sash, veil, and crown while celebrating with cookies and decorations they helped create.
Sean Folloder, a high school geometry teacher and football coach, told News Of Los Angeles: “It was great to surprise her at school. She is such a great teacher and everyone, from her kids to her kids’ parents to the staff, loves her.”
A Love Story Decades in the Making
The couple’s connection spans decades. Both attended Shlenker School as toddlers, and Kampf’s grandfather, Rabbi Samuel Karff, founded the school in 1967. Folloder’s grandmother, Barbie Freedman, is the longest-tenured teacher at Shlenker, currently in her 41st year.
Their paths reconnected during summer 2021 when Kampf directed the summer camp and Folloder volunteered. Freedman played matchmaker, sending Folloder on errands to Kampf’s side of the building.
Barbie Freedman recalled:
> “I would send him over on errands when Zoe would need anything, and then they just started hanging out together. I remember Barbie said, ‘You guys should really date.’ We were like, ‘Okay.’ I guess we took her advice!”
Family Ties to Shlenker School
The couple’s shared heritage at Beth Israel and Shlenker School created a strong foundation for their relationship.
Zoe Kampf explained:
> “We definitely have a lot in common, both being raised at Beth Israel and at Shlenker. It is nice to be in touch with our Jewish heritage and have that in common.”
Freedman, who taught Kampf as a toddler, witnessed their relationship blossom. “They are a wonderful couple and really devoted to one another. It has been really fun to watch them grow up and grow together.”
Key Takeaways
- The surprise bridal shower took place on December 12, 2024, twelve days before their engagement on December 23
- Both families have deep roots at Shlenker School spanning multiple generations
- The couple will marry in Houston in January 2026
- Freedman, age 82, isn’t sure if she’ll still be teaching when the couple’s future children attend Shlenker
This heartwarming celebration demonstrates how school communities become extended families, celebrating life’s milestones together.
