Valentine’s Day at Portola High was accompanied by love in the air, along with the scent of chocolate and candy hearts. Some students and teachers planned romantic dates with their partners while others celebrated platonic love with their closest friends. In either case, every person had their own way of making the holiday meaningful- here’s how four people on campus celebrated.
Valentine’s Day allows people to appreciate all kinds of love. For senior Sahana Ananth, spending the day with her friends and throwing a “Galentine’s” bash is a tradition that she anticipates every year because the holiday is a reminder of how much she treasures her friendships.
“Every Valentine’s Day, my friends and I go out and do something for Galentine’s, and I’m all dressed up in pink and red,” Ananth said. “I think that Valentine’s Day gives an opportunity for people to celebrate each other, regardless of whether you’re in a relationship or not.”
Some people use this time of the year to spend time with family rather than focusing on friends and relationships. For sophomore Darya Janamian, Valentine’s Day was an opportunity to show appreciation for the people who have always been there such as her parents and siblings.
“Usually [my family] has a big breakfast together,” Janamian said. “It’s kind of the one day of the year where my parents can really express their love for each other, and my sister and I try to be a part of that.”
Some Bulldog couples celebrated their first Valentine’s Day together this year. Spending the holiday as a couple was a huge milestone as it marked a moment of connection, according to sophomore Khiana Antoszek.
“I love Valentine’s Day because love is in the air,” Antoszek said. “I feel excited about spending Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend this year because it will be great to share the holiday with somebody that I love this year.”
For others, Valentine’s Day was packed to the brim with memories from past years of a seasoned relationship. Science teacher Michael Tang says that his plans with his wife for Valentine’s Day have varied in grandiosity.
“The craziest thing we ever did on Valentine’s Day was that we went to Hawaii, and we stayed there for four or five days,” Tang said. “But, at this stage of life, we’re past [giving gifts]. Now it’s just quality time that’s the most important.”
No matter how staff and students chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, it continues to be a resounding day of appreciation for all types of love. Whether couples celebrated another year together or friends created memories, Valentine’s Day reminded everyone that love can come in many different forms.
