High school couple’s selfies with tornado go viral

A high school couple said they are shocked to see their prom photo in front of a tornado in Wray go viral.

High School freshman AliMarintzer and senior Charlie Bator were getting ready for Wray’s High School Prom when a tornado hit. They stayed inside until they said the tornado was a safe distance from their home.

“We have to be creative with life. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, I guess!” said Bator.

They started snapping photos for social media sites when Marintzer’s mom suggested they pose for a photo with the tornado in the background. Marintzer’s mom posted the photo of Facebook and almost immediately, it went viral.

“I went to school today and teachers were like, ‘You’re famous!’ And I am getting crap from everyone at school. All my buddies are like, we can’t talk to the famous person,” said Bator.

“It’s weird because I had no intention of getting it to more than just my friends on Facebook,” said Marintzer.

Now the two joke it’s the most epic selfie they have taken and will probably ever take.

“Ali and I were taking selfies. I mean if you get a tornado selfie, it’s going to be an ultimate selfie right there. I mean why wouldn’t you take a tornado selfie?” said Bator.

Marintzer said the two have received criticism online for posing with the tornado when they should have been inside staying safe. Marintzer said they made sure they’d be OK.

“We were completely safe,” said Marintzer.

Bator said the experience has taught them more than just how to pose during a storm.

“Definitely to live life on the edge a little bit and take some risks. We were a safe distance away from that tornado but we have,” said Bator.

While they are glad the tornado didn’t stick around, the couple said they would take those photos all over again.

“I think if a majority of people had the chance, they would do it too,” said Marintzer.