Every year, ETHS uses Valentine’s Day as an outlet for student engagement, and as a way to celebrate being kind to others. The celebrations themselves have evolved over the years, but this year, there were many ways to spread the Valentine’s love, such as delivering flowers and candygrams such as ringpops to loved ones’ classes.
Buying roses to be delivered to students’ classes is a classic gesture that is organized by the Algebra in Entrepreneurship program. The class was designed and implemented by former teacher Ross Freeland and current teacher Chris Manila in 2015. According to Manila, “there was a lack of [Valentine’s] celebration present among students, so we took it as a learning opportunity.” The Algebra in Entrepreneurship students spend class time prepping the roses for sale, trimming the ends, fixing them into bouquets and adding personalized notes from the buyer to their Valentine. This year, students had their hands full with 300 roses, which they then hand-delivered to students and teachers in their classes.
Candygrams, another Valentine’s option, are now in their third year being offered. Algebra in Entrepreneurship students and the AVID sell candy that students can gift each other, effectively simulating all the aspects of a real business.
Ringpops are making their debut this year as a lower price alternative, in the hopes of garnering more participation. Manila expressed excitement for future Valentine’s, hoping the tradition will grow. “Students are at their best when they can work hands-on and be a part of something for the school,” he said.
Though selling roses is a popular way to celebrate, other clubs and sports use Valentine’s for bonding time or just to show appreciation towards teammates, teachers and coaches.
Senior Sophia King, a member of the ETHS Dance Company, recalls fond memories of the team’s Valentine’s Days past. She recalls that their celebrations “took [her] back to elementary school with everyone passing out notes to each other.”
ETHS’s ways to celebrate exemplify the true joy and fun that can come out of showing love for others. Many students’ favorite way to show love to others is baking treats as well as gifting chocolate. Though many enjoy giving small gifts as tokens of affection, opening one’s wallet is not necessary to spread love on Valentine’s Day. Having a “Valentine” or not, showing friends, families and teachers that they are appreciated is always the best gift of all. Beyond February 14th, thanking teachers for the effort they put in, texting a friend to let them know they are loved or even volunteering for those less fortunate are all ways to prolong the season of love.
