As we all know, Valentine’s Day is coming up this week, and that sparked the question: What will the Bulldogs be doing to celebrate? Last week, Lakeview High School commenced the annual Winter Wonders dance, and this year, the theme was “sweethearts” in honor of the holiday. The choir also has Cupid Grams available to purchase for students to buy for their Valentine. This made me realize that there are many different ways to celebrate this holiday – contrary to popular belief. I’ve learned that you don’t need a special someone to make the day special. Let’s hear what else Lakeview has in store for Valentine’s Day 2024.
I first asked junior Brielle Redd what she planned on doing this upcoming Wednesday. She told me, “I will be spending Valentine’s day with my friends. Hanging out with friends can be even better than hanging out with a significant other. The more people there are, the more chocolate, gifts, and memories being shared. For me, the best part of this holiday are the memories being made. We must take into account that we are only young once, and this is a great excuse for us to get together and do activities we don’t normally participate in, like making valentines for example.”
I have learned this form of celebration is usually called “Galentines”. Due to the fact I had never really heard about this much before, I decided to ask around and see if there were any other students who were also preparing to participate in this form of celebration.
Senior Mara Johnston was one student I found who had similar plans. When I asked her if she was participating in “Galentines” she said, “Yes. I love spending time with my girls. I would much rather have a galentine than a valentine. Typically, when you think about this holiday, you think about two people in love spending the day together. In reality, it doesn’t matter if you are in a romantic relationship with the person or not. What matters is that you care about each other. I think the valentine stereotype should be forgotten about. Anyone can spend Valentine’s day with whoever they want. Personally, I choose to defy the odds and spend the day with my girls. Not because I don’t want a singular valentine, but because I always have the best time with my friends and they deserve to know how much I love and care about them.”
Hearing about these passionate students defying the odds of a normal Valentine’s Day, I was inspired, but still decided to see if there was anyone celebrating traditionally.
Junior Gage Mymo shared his plans with me. “This Valentine’s day I will be celebrating with a Valentine. Luckily, she is also my girlfriend. Her and I will be exchanging gifts and going out to eat. This is our third Valentine’s Day together, and every year we always have a very fun day together, and I wouldn’t want to spend it with anyone else. Valentine’s Day makes me appreciate the little things even more, and appreciate how lucky I am to have such an amazing person in my life to call my Valentine.”
After all the interviews I realized Valentine’s Day can be celebrated with or without a romantic relationship in your life. I myself never realized how many ways there were to celebrate this holiday, but it is definitely heartwarming to see so many Bulldogs excited for their upcoming plans. Furthermore, I can’t wait to see all of the cupid grams around the school. Thank you to everyone who attended the dance in honor of this holiday. Go Bulldogs!
