Blayke McClure is deep in young love in small-town America. At 18 years old, about to graduate from Clinton High School in Clinton, Missouri, Blayke left his home to be his own man. He now lives with Shelby Franklin, 17, his girlfriend of three months, and her mother, Shelley. Blayke and Shelby are nearly inseparable. Both are outgoing, popular seniors; the epitome of young love.

His routine remains the same whether it is the middle of July, or October. Hanging out with his friends late at night on the ‘square’ and ripping through tanks of gas all week long is a tradition. Blayke likes to cause to a bit of trouble and few can hold him down.

Though Blayke was on track to play football for Truman State, he quit football his senior year due to personality differences with the coaching staff. Currently living off money saved from selling an old truck, he has no concrete plans. However, he wouldn’t have it any other way. After graduation he may be enrolling in the military to see the world, or going to work with his father in Deepwater, MO., welding and operating heavy machinery.

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Blayke McClure, 18, pulls on his boots before school in Clinton, MO. on September 30, 2011. McClure lives in his girlfriend of three month's home due to disagreements and frequent skirmishes with his mother.