Valentine’s Day Has Mixed Reviews

Valentine’s Day was this past Wednesday and GHS students celebrated with carnations, chocolates, and loved ones.

“The holiday is meant to celebrate and cherish our loved ones. I really like the day; I think it’s a fun opportunity to spend time with the people we care about,” freshman Lauren Peterson said. “I got flowers, candy, chocolates, and cookies. I also gave cookies and candy.”

Junior Huong Nguyen also likes Valentine’s Day.

“I like that it’s a day celebrating love, but I think love is here every day and you can show people you care about them any day you want,” she said.

Sophomore Zehra Efe likes Valentine’s Day for the chocolate.

“I don’t necessarily love Valentine’s Day, but I do love the following day because there is always a lot of chocolate on sale!” she said.

However, not all students like the idea of Valentine’s Day and don’t see its purpose.

“I could care less about the day; it’s not really important and doesn’t matter to me, but since there is such a thing I’ll celebrate it. I do like that I get chocolate and stuff, though,” freshman Lea Unruh said.

Several GHS student’s don’t celebrate the holiday, as they feel it should really be celebrated daily.

“I don’t dislike Valentine’s Day, but I don’t celebrate it greatly either; I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Nguyen said.

Freshman Annabelle Hoth agrees with Nguyen.

“I mostly think it’s the same as any other day. I dislike that people think they only need to appreciate people on Valentine’s Day rather than all the time,” she said.

Junior Anya Nakonechna simply does not celebrate Valentine’s Day because she doesn’t see the purpose of the day for those that aren’t couples.

“I love that Valentine’s Day exists, but I don’t have any reason to celebrate the day because I am not married, I don’t have a fiance, and I’m not dating,” she said. “It’s celebrated for the recognition of romantic love, and the gratitude couples have for each other. Valentine’s Day is a very passive holiday for my family and I, where we just recognize the day with heart-shaped chocolates. We don’t celebrate the day intently, because it’s pointless when you don’t have a significant other,” she said.

Students express why they believe Valentine’s Day is celebrated.

“I think Valentine’s Day is celebrated because it’s the holiday of love and people want to show the people in their life that they love them and care about them,” Nguyen said.

Hoth has a more unique perspective.

“I think Valentine’s Day was mostly created by chocolate companies for more sales, but I think it also serves as a reminder to appreciate your friends and family,” she said.

Students share some of their favorite Valentine’s Day memories from when they were younger.

“One memory I have about Valentine’s Day was when my mom gave me my sisters and I treats throughout the day and they were so cute and adorable and very sweet,” said Nguyen.

Peterson shares a memory of Valentine’s Day in Elementary School.

“I remember in 4th grade when we decorated these little mailboxes in class and everyone went around handing out our Valentines and putting them in the mailboxes,” she said.

Hoth explains a memory with her family on Valentine’s Day.

“I always remember waking up early to go to my mom and dad’s room where we’d open these bags (my brother and I). My parents always got us chocolates and candy,” she said.

Students describe their Valentine’s Day plans and what they did.

“I did not do anything after school, but in school, I celebrated by giving and receiving gifts,” Peterson said.

Nguyen plans on going to Florida with the Poms team.

“I’m actually going to Disney World for Poms on Valentine’s Day, but if I was at home it would’ve been great to celebrate it with my boyfriend, going out to eat or planning a special date,” Nguyen said.

Finally, Efe shares a special treat that the girls basketball JV team shared on Valentine’s Day.

“On Valentine’s Day, our JV coach bought us a special treat: ice cream and heart shaped cookies to celebrate before practice!”