Valentine’s Day is a somewhat controversial topic at LHS. Amidst hectic academic lives and winter festivities, how are students planning to celebrate the day of love?

For many students, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show appreciation.

“I feel like a big part of the holiday is just being able to express your gratitude to people in your life and just overall love that is in your life,” senior Frances Parker said. 

Sophomore Cadence Scholz’s February 14th is a slightly different experience than most since it happens to fall on her birthday.

“I don’t like Valentine’s Day, but I like my birthday, so it kind of makes it better,” Scholz said her favorite part of the holiday is getting to give valentines rather than just receive presents. 

Evidently, the spirit of giving is alive and well at LHS. In terms of gifts, students were overwhelmingly in favor of the classics, flowers, and chocolate, as the best to give or receive.

But materialistic aspects aside, students have kept the core values of Valentine’s Day at heart.

“I do think it’s a little like commodified by corporations, you know what I mean? How they kind of make it something that can be bought and sold,” Parker said. “I think kind of makes it so the holiday isn’t about love and is more about just buying things, which I think eradicates the actual purpose of the holiday.” 

For sophomore Reese Miller, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to relax with friends, family, and partners, but is also hard for those who may not have a valentine. 

“I think it’s a good time to spend time with your loved ones and then your significant other if you have one,” Miller said. 

But being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a gloomy occasion, that’s what romantic comedies are for. After some student input, we’ve got you covered with the most highly recommended rom-com from LHS students.

In a poll sent out to students, When Harry Met Sally and 10 Things I Hate About You tied for most popular, apparently LHS loves an enemies-to-lovers plotline. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days came in a close second. 

So pick up a box of your favorite chocolates, turn on a rom-com, and remember to show gratitude to your loved ones. Ultimately, this holiday is about acknowledging and appreciating them.

“I think that is just a super amazing thing to celebrate. Also, other things like little gifts and being able to just prioritize romance is something that you don’t get to do on a lot of other days,” Parker said.