By Naomi Fleming
Valentine’s Day. A day to celebrate love, joy, and connection. To some, Valentine’s Day means candy: the limited edition ones with pink flavoring, the classics like sweethearts, or an excuse to devour my favorites, like Mike and Ikes. A classic tradition for elementary school students is decorating boxes so that your classmates can share candy and cards with each other. Sometimes, the parent committee would plan a special party for your class. That was always my favorite part about Valentine’s Day, but without the obligatory candy sharing and box decorating, how does the Upper School community celebrate?
I talked to many students whose Valentine’s plans were up in the air or nonexistent. The day falling in the dead center of the week doesn’t help with the planning process. So, while love is in the air, students will still have their heads in their books because even love doesn’t stop the grind. Even celebrating after school for many students like Anya Santiago ‘27 is halted by after-school activities.
“I was going to hang out with my Valentine, but I have practice,” Anya said.
It seems like the fact that Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday is putting a damper on the spirit.
Others focused on other forms of love that aren’t romantic, whether platonic, familial or self-love. The trend of having a celebration of platonic love is going strong with many girls having “Galentine’s.” Aleena Khawaja ‘26 looks forward to throwing a Galentine’s celebration and exchanging gifts with her friends to celebrate the Day of Love.
“I think Galentine’s is the perfect way for me to celebrate and have fun with my best friends,” Aleena said.
To celebrate self-love, Minna-Tulla Al-Haji ‘26 said she takes the day to treat herself with flowers and candy. When being a full-time student with extracurriculars, it is important to take time and check on how you are feeling, and the Day of Love is the perfect time for just that.
Familial love is another way students celebrate the day, including Kennedy Peace.
“My parents always get me and my sister gifts for Valentine’s Day,” Kennedy said.
The Service Board, led by Mrs. Jennifer Green and Mrs. Liz Griffin, hosts an annual project to help students celebrate the people they love while being stuck in class.
“This service project is really for the students more than anything else,” Mrs. Green said.
Every year, the board sets up shop in the Woodruff Atrium, where students can buy a carnation and a whole bouquet to be sent to those special people in their lives. The flowers are delivered to the first-period class of the day, and the rest of the day is brightened by the abundance of flowers on campus. So, while you might be celebrating love in all shapes and forms, or if this is just a normal day for you, we, the butterknife staff, hope you have a Valentine’s Day filled with love and joy.
