Hearts, roses, chocolates, and heartfelt messages. In the month of February, these items can only be associated with Valentine’s Day, and was evident at Hillsborough High School Friday. The HHS community organized a variety of events and fundraisers around the school last week to spread love and kindness, while often advocating for meaningful causes. From singing grams to handmade roses, students have found unique ways to spread the Valentine’s spirit. Here’s a closer look at some of the events that are happening around the school this week.

Spanish Honors Society:

The Spanish Honors Society has brought back their annual bracelet sale once again. As students may have noticed, SHS volunteers have been selling $2 beaded Valentine’s Day bracelets during lunch periods. A senior in SHS, Sahar Alidina, said “It’s an annual event, and we try to do it every year to give people the opportunity to gift something to someone they find special.” 

Latin Honors Society:

The Latin Honors Society approached the holiday spirit from a linguistic perspective by selling cards with personalized messages in Latin. For $2, students could buy a card with a unique message and could even include a piece of candy with it for an additional $1. This interesting twist on a holiday fundraiser exposed all students to the language. 

Freshman Student Council:

The Freshman Student Council stuck to the timeless tradition of selling carnations for those who appreciate the classic symbol of love. They were sold for $2 each or three for $5 during all lunch periods and before school in the commons. To top it off, the flowers were hand delivered on Valentine’s Day during period 1. 

Cheer:

Similarly, HHS Cheer has also chosen a more traditional and festive route by organizing a rose sale during lunch periods. The team raised money for their winter season banquet by selling roses. One rose was $3, two were being sold for $5, and a dozen was available for $24.

Choir:

As any HHS student knows, one of the most anticipated Valentine’s Day traditions at this school are the Choir Singing Grams. More than 70 students chose to send a singing gram or a virtual gram to a friend or loved one, brightening their day, for a mere $5. For $5, the singing gram was accompanied by a small goodie bag. Junior choir member Sharvi Gosavi said, “When we go door-to-door to different classrooms and surprise people who were sent a gram, it’s really exciting and funny to see their reactions. I think that’s what gets people to buy Valentine grams because it’s something really hilarious, and a well needed break from the gloomy weather of February.”

Knitting and Crocheting Club:

The Knitting and Crocheting Club crafted for a cause this week with their handmade roses. Two varieties of roses were available: knitted roses were $5 and crocheted ones were $7. Wrapping was also available for an additional two dollars. What made this initiative specifically special was its purpose. All proceeds benefited Futures Without Violence, an organization that supports people in abusive relationships. One of the clubs leaders, Emily Stuart said, “The main purpose for the fundraiser is to spread some awareness and to raise some funds towards people who are in abusive relationships, because it is a very prominent thing that goes on that people sometimes aren’t aware of. And we also do want to spread Valentine’s Day cheer at the same time.” A junior who purchased a rose from this sale, Vikhya Kota, said “The roses are adorable, so well made, and will definitely last. I bought one for a friend a few days ago.”

Valentines Spirit Day:

To top it all off, HHS hosted a Valentine’s Spirit Day on Friday, February 14. 809 people school-wide showcased their holiday spirit by dressing in red, pink, or heart-decorated clothing in an effort to earn points for their grade or simply for fun. This was yet another initiative that allowed everyone a chance to show off their festive side. 

As is clear by the countless events that took place at HHS in the past week, Valentine’s Day is thoroughly celebrated at this school. In this environment, the holiday has become greater than a show of romantic love, and has grown to give students the opportunity to show their love for any special person in their lives while learning more about their community. As Principal DiLollo said, “This time of year, it is common to share words of appreciation and encouragement with others when done with sincerity by those participating. After all, what is more important to the expression of love than the recognition that another is appreciated, valued and cherished? It is my hope that these activities help to embody the expression and development of these worthy attributes.”