COUPLES are not the only ones who prepare for Valentine’s Day. Schools also get into the spirit of the day of love and ready their gimmicks to make the 14th extra memorable for students.
Grade 10 student Kurt Manallo, 15, said one of the highlights of Valentine’s Day celebration, aside from “it’s-a-no-class-day” because of school events, is having more time to spend with his friends. They get to chill and make more memories in school.
“It is one of the most important days for my friends and me because that means we will have more time to create memories together before we start our senior high school journey in different schools,” Kurt told republicasia.
According to Kurt, he is not after the couple’s date on the 14th since he’s too young to be in a relationship. Rather, the 14th is considered a big day for him and his friends because it’s the time of the school year where they can be carefree.
The way of celebrating Valentine’s Day has evolved over time. But here are some classic ways that schools’ love month celebrations made the day worth looking back on for many students.
Shirt color coding
The color coding of shirts is one of the most iconic and common gimmicks in schools during Valentine’s Day. Not only can students wear anything they like for a day, but everyone in the school also get to distinguish whether their status is in love (sana all), it’s complicated, heartbroken (I feel you, sis), currently dating, ghosted by someone (ouch), single and contented (wow strong), currently moving forward (sending virtual hugs), dating, and in a no label relationship.
Their status will be known based on the color of the shirt they choose to wear.
These make the day worth enjoying.
Booths
Aside from side events, Valentine’s booths prepared by the student council, subject-area clubs, and teachers are a hit during this day.
Here are some:
Jail booth
Most students who were placed in this booth were usually set up by their friends to be jailed along with their crushes or, worse, to make fun of them. For the students to be freed from the booth, their crushes will have to post bail, with the amount depending on what was required by the organizers.
It turns out not all prisoners are criminals; some of them just need space to be with their crushes.
Marriage booth
For those who wish to tie the knot with their crushes or their partners, the marriage booth is the place to be. These booths hold something similar to church ceremonies, but without the kissing (teachers are watching!). Friends usually arrange ceremonies for each other at the marriage booth so that they can marry their crushes unofficially. Before the ceremony, booth organizers offer a set of bridal clothes so that the girls can change into white outfits. The officiator of the marriage ceremony is also a student (so don’t fret, religious peeps).
Surprises
Definitely, Valentine’s Day is a day for surprises. This is the time when it’s acceptable to disturb a class by knocking on the classroom doors and giving flowers and chocolates either to your loved one or to your subject teacher. During this time, guys and girls do a wide range of gimmicks to declare their love for their crushes or someone special.
Open letters
What’s Valentine’s Day without love letters? Student organizations usually hold an open letter program where students can dedicate messages to someone. The organization will read them on campus out loud while some side events are ongoing. The letters usually generate loud cheers from friends and classmates.
But the letters don’t have to be romantic. Students can share messages of love and appreciation for their friends, too. This is an exciting opportunity for students to tell the whole campus that they love their friends.
What are your favorite high school memories of Valentine’s Day?
