Tatum Pilla

Graphic made by Tatum Pilla

February, the month of love, is known as the time for your relationships, romantic and platonic. Everyone has their own traditions and cherished memories from Valentines of the past and present. In honor of the season of love, Hayfield students tell of all things love, relationships, friends, family, and most of all, Valentine’s Day!

Kensley Ott (Grade 10)
“This year, my Valentine is my boyfriend…I think the importance of Valentine’s Day does not necessarily have to do with your boyfriend or girlfriend, but just remembering the other good people you have in your life. It’s important to not forget about your other relationships, especially your friends.”

Nadia Fischer (Grade 9)
“My grandma met my grandpa at a club, she had been dating this guy for a good few years, but then she met my grandpa. My grandpa met her and as soon as he got to know her he knew she was the one he was going to marry. He waited for her for years, because she said she wanted to finish college and move to Colorado, and break up with her long term boyfriend before he could marry her. My grandpa waited and waited. He was lovesick for her. They were married for 59 years and had 6 kids together. Their love story makes me believe that it’s possible for everyone.”

Jamie Thibeault (Grade 10)
“My Valentine this year is my best friend. We plan to exchange chocolates and go out to a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day. I believe Valentine’s Day is about celebrating each other and love, rather than buying expensive things for each other.”

Samara Darley (Grade 10)
“This year, me and my friends might have a little Galentine’s and probably bake some cookies and other Valentine’s Day treats. We’re all just gonna hang out and have fun with each other.”

Genevieve Ventura (Grade 12)
“On Valentine’s Day, I always try to watch a rom-com with some of my favorite snacks just to treat myself…My favorite Valentine’s Day had to be the one from last year. Last year, my childhood best friend and I worked at the same place but we ended up both having to work that day. Although it was upsetting having to work on Valentine’s Day, I wanted to look on the brightside. And that was that we at least both got to spend it together. I made her a surprise Valentine and after work, I gave it to her…It may not have been an eventful Valentine’s Day but what made it memorable was seeing her reaction and smile to the card I made her…Valentine’s Day for me is a day where you can let people know how much you appreciate and love them. I also use it as an excuse to treat myself to some sweets and give little gifts to my friends. I love seeing their faces when I give them a valentine.”

Maya Castaneda Villalta (Grade 12)
“This year, me and my friends are going to have a Valentine’s party where we’re each going to bring some sort of Valentine’s dish…Honestly, I don’t really think Valentine’s Day is super important, there’s many chances throughout the year to celebrate the people you love.”

Gabriel Fleener (Grade 10)
“This year I do not have a Valentine. I had a plan originally but she said no. This day is a day I normally spend time with my buddies trying to take our minds off of the fact that we do not have Valentines and to focus on our friend group…I believe Valentine’s day is a very important day, I think this because it helps push people in the right direction when trying to spend time with others.”

Ava Sliteris (Grade 10)
“One of my fond memories I think of when I look back on my childhood years was going to school excited to exchange candy in our decorated paper bags, making sure everyone was included just shows that Valentine’s Day is really about showing the people in your life that you appreciate them, romantic or not.”

Olivia Fullerton (Grade 10)
“My first love…He did make me happy but I couldn’t see or realize that mentally, I was not okay…He will always hold the title of my first love…But things change, people change, your love will change…Just because they were apart of your life and you loved them once doesn’t mean you’ll love them forever. They will mean something to you because you learnt from the experience and it all led you to where you are today, for that you should be grateful. Know it’s okay to move on and to love another. When all is said and done, there is someone out there for you.”

Tessa Pilla (Grade 12)
“This is my second Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend. My most memorable Valentine’s Day was last year. I remembered he had never asked me to be his Valentine beforehand because the day of, he surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and took me out to dinner. We went to Old Town, Alexandria and ate dinner at a cozy little Italian restaurant then walked down by the water. Last year was my first ever Valentine’s Day, having an actual Valentine, it was one I will forever remember and value the memory of.”

Alena Brennan (Grade 10)
“My favorite Valentine’s would be last year because I got to spend it with my best friend. This year for Valentine’s Day I’m going skiing in Pennsylvania…I think Valentine’s Day is important because this day is dedicated to spreading love and appreciation to those around you.”