As Valentine’s Day approaches, Redwood High School is celebrating Love Week—a time for students to reflect on the people and things they love and appreciate. From friends and family to pets and personal time, students are sharing what matters most to them.
By: Liah Rodriguez
For many students, love is about the connections they have with others. Whether it’s a strong bond with family or the joy of spending time with friends, love takes many forms. Ella Oregel, ‘26, shared how much she values the time spent with those close to her.
“I love spending time with the people I love and care for,” said Oregel. “Being a good friend to others brings me happiness.”
For Oregel, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating these relationships. “I think Valentine’s Day is more about love,” she said. “It’s a day to appreciate the people you care about.”
Many students, like Oregel, see Valentine’s Day as a chance to show appreciation. Whether it’s for family, friends, or others, expressing gratitude is key. “I appreciate my mom the most,” Oregel said. “She’s always listened to me and given me great advice.”
Similarly, Camilo Yepez-Ramirez, ‘28, shared how much he values his parents. “I love my parents because they’ve taken care of me my whole life,” he said. “I appreciate everything they’ve done for me.” Yepez-Ramirez, like many others, sees Valentine’s Day as more than just a day of love—it’s about appreciating those who support us.
Photo L.Rodriguez/Gigantea
For Ysabella Johnson, ‘26, love is not only about family, but also about the people around her. “I love people, my girlfriend, and music,” Johnson said.
For Johnson, love and appreciation go hand in hand. “You can’t have love without appreciation,” Johnson said. For her, Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and to appreciate those who’ve helped shape her life.
The idea of appreciating family and friends is common among students. “I appreciate my friends and family the most in my life,” said Sara Sanchez, ‘26.
Sanchez, like many others, recognizes how important these relationships are. She also mentioned that Valentine’s Day helps her focus on self-care. “I love my time and spending it on things that make me feel better,” she said.
Photo L.Rodriguez/Gigantea
For Adrian Gonzalez, ‘26, who has a special bond with his dogs, love also comes from his pets. “I love my dog’s Snickers and Mini because they’re so cute,” he said.
Gonzalez, like others, finds love in the things that bring him joy. “You appreciate who you love,” he said, showing how love and appreciation are connected.
Photo L.Rodriguez/Gigantea
As Love Week continues at Redwood High, students are reflecting on what matters most to them. Whether it’s love for family, friends, or personal time, these reflections remind us that Valentine’s Day is about appreciating all kinds of.
Many students also see Valentine’s Day as a time to appreciate the simple things. Cebria Freeborn, ‘28, reflected on the importance of connecting with others. “I love interacting with people every day and hearing their stories,” she said.
For Freeborn, love and appreciation often go together. “I think it’s both because love and appreciation are similar.”
Liah Rodriguez
Tags: clubs & lifestyles, love week, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood love week, redwood rangers, redwood v day, redwood valentines day, rhs, rhs love week, rhs v day, rhs valentines day
