Valentine’s Day at FVHS

By Brie Roche-Lilliott, Staff writer

February is here, and students at FVHS are preparing to enjoy Valentine\’s Day on February 14. Even though millions of people celebrate the “day of love” with the traditional candy, flowers, and cards, very few know of its origin. 

According to legend, there was a priest named Saint Valentine in the year 1000. The Emperor of Rome, Claudius II, forbade single men from getting married to maintain a large number of potential soldiers. Disgusted by the unfairness of the new law, Valentine continued to secretly bless young lovers\’ marriages. He was soon discovered and sentenced to death. But even prison didn\’t stop Valentine, and he fell in love with his jailer\’s daughter. Before his execution, he left a card for her that read, “From your Valentine,” thus coining the classic phrase. 

Saint Valentine is considered to be the originator of Valentine\’s Day, and is given credit for starting the trend of sending cards to loved ones on February 14. 

Today, there are numerous ways people celebrate Valentine\’s Day. For some, the holiday means having a fun, exchanging cards, giving gifts, and staging special dates. Others prefer a luxurious and romantic day with roses, chocolates, and fancy dinners. 

Speaking of her Valentine\’s Day plans, Rachel Smith (‘11) says, “My boyfriend is planning on taking me to dinner and then a walk on the beach.”

Many couples at FVHS enjoy Valentine\’s Day and see it as a day to celebrate their affection for each other and express their feelings through presents. Many guys at FVHS say that on Valentine\’s Day, it\’s easier to open up to their girlfriends. 

Mike Hillman (‘09) says, “Valentine\’s Day is when we can act all sweet and not be ashamed of it.” 

But for some at FVHS, singles and couples alike, Valentine\’s Day is not a favorite holiday.

“Valentine\’s Day is when you actually realize that you\’re single,” says a sophomore who asked to be anonymous. “It hurts when everyone else is receiving grams, candy, and other stuff, and all you\’re holding are your books, and maybe if you\’re lucky, the lunch your mom packed you.”

The recently, and happily, married English teacher, Mrs. Zeigler, says, “Not to sound like a cynic, but it\’s a total Hallmark holiday. You should show love to the people you care about everyday.”

“Valentine\’s Day is a day for everyone to enjoy – even if you\’re single – because it\’s a day to celebrate love of all kinds,” says Eric Shearer (‘12). 

Whether you spend Valentine\’s Day with a date or decide to spend it like any other day, make sure to at least, to appreciate February 14 and take a second to think about what you\’d be doing without Saint Valentine\’s risky decision to encourage love those thousands of years ago.