Is February 14th Just a Date?

Roses are red, violets are blue, it’s just another Saturday, but to others it’s all about the love that’s in the air on February 14th

By: Brisa Magaña

Redwood High School Rangers express their opinions about February 14th, Valentines day if it’s just a date on the calendar or a meaningful day to express love around them.

February 14th is the day when teddy bears, baskets, chocolates, and balloons are gifted to celebrate love, mainly with people in relationships.

Wesley Scholl, ’28, says, “Even if you don’t have a partner you could still make the most of it. The day is just about love, loving other people, it isn’t just a physical relationship, you could love your family and friends, while spreading love”.

Many Rangers aren’t in a relationship, but when Valentine’s comes around, they still feel left out and find many things to do to still be apart and celebrate February 14th.

Erika Rojas, ’29, says, “Me and my friends usually hang out on Valentine’s, and we have a Galentine’s party and just have fun celebrating the love and friendship we have amongst each other”.

Some Rangers have mixed opinions and think Valentine’s is not just for partners celebrating their love for each other, but it’s also for friends expressing their stage and friendships.

Emma Crisp, ’29, said, “Celebrating Valentine’s while in a relationship is just really being focused on the person you have a connection with versus being celebrating friendships to honor their deep bonds”.

Valentine’s is celebrated within the Rangers at Redwood one way or another, whether it’s you sitting on a bench watching couples pass by with gifts and chocolates or being the person giving or receiving the gifts.

Pearl Hadley, ’26, says, “I think Valentine’s is more of a meaningful day because love is something that’s a deeper emotion that we all have, so I feel like it’s an important day regarding on what stage you are in life”.

Valentine’s can become commercialized in some ways you don’t think, but love never fails to be celebrated. Many people come up with grand gestures one day for Valentine’s, but others show small acts of love every day.

Consistent small acts of love everyday shows how invested you are in a person rather than being a follower and just gifting or showing the love you have for someone on Valentines day.

Scholl says, “If you only build up to one day out of the year, I feel like you should be giving small things throughout the year, even if it’s gifts, a hug, cards, a reminder with words to your partner, every day it’s more of a putting effort kinda thing”.

Valentine’s Day captures many memories and acts, starting from the Valentine’s Day section in stores a week or two early, from Valentine’s Day to friendships and joy.

Scholl says, “Every day is a new day, and it goes on, and your measure of love shouldn’t be valued off one day. I really think it’s a good thing that people want to have a day where they admit about their love and want to have a fancy dinner and wanna spend time together, I think it’s pretty cool.”

Valentine’s Day is overall very romantic and affectionate, seeing how many young people are just starting to celebrate their love, while older people have celebrated their love for many years now.

Scholl says, “I think people showing love to each other every day is pretty awesome, seeing different generations show their love”.

Tags: loveweek, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood rangers, valentine's day