#loveEagles Week Takes Place For the First Time
Megumi Kamikawa
Staff Writer
American High School’s first ever #loveEagles Week took place from Monday, April 7 to Friday, April 11. As a joint event between Interact Club and ASB, students arranged an entire week devoted to promoting a happier, more positive atmosphere for the entirety of the school’s population.
The #loveEagles week sprouted wings when juniors Keani Turangan of Interact Club and Abigail “Abbee” Kelati of ASB combined forces to fulfill their aspirations towards a week pledged to random acts of kindness and anti-bullying. The five conceptual days of the week ranged from greetings and hugs to befriending a fellow classmate.
“The purpose of this week is to involve every student and to connect with those we usually don’t talk to, and to create a stronger, more united school,” Turangan said. “It promotes good actions and encourages students to step out of their comfort zones. I hope the themes continue to thrive after the event is over; I want this week to empower change in American High.”
One of the many lockers in the rotunda is covered from top to bottom with loving messages. As the week began to come to a close, the school began to feel its positive reinforcement grow. “Personally, I liked compliment day the most because every locker had a post-it note with a compliment written on it,” junior Malvika Brahmbhatt said. “When we all walked out of fourth period block on Thursday, tired and waiting for Friday to finally come, we were greeted by so many colorful notes and I think everyone smiled to themselves when they read the note on their own locker.”
Students were able to participate throughout the week not only by accomplishing the “theme of the day,” but also by submitting messages through Google Forms that was accessible through Facebook. According to Kelati, they had compiled over 140 messages by Wednesday; they were collected and arranged into a “wall of messages” around the lockers in the rotunda.
“I love the idea that students can show appreciation to each other,” sophomore Trinh Bui said. “The messages are really nice, too. They add a lot of color to the school!”
Students could further engage themselves in the event by using the “#loveEagles” in an image of them and their fellow peers at school. Those who posted pictures on social media sites would be eligible to win a prize offered by the students running the event.
“The Love Eagles hashtag was to make it possible for all the online posts about it to be filtered under one thing so we could easily pick out winners for posting on Instagram or Twitter,” Kelati said.
Although there was no guarantee that students would fully participate, the effort put into the week-long event was highly appreciated by the students and staff. Friendly gestures were seen across campus throughout the entire week, and will hopefully continue on a daily basis.
“The emphasis of this week had really good intentions, and it shouldn’t be restricted to just one week,” senior Haarika Srinath said. “I think it’s a great concept. It’ll definitely help to unite the classes more, since most people only hang out in their own individual groups.”
Eagle Era 