A behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, challenges, and care behind AHS’s Rosegrams
Staff Writer
Rosegrams have long been a Valentine’s Day tradition at AHS, offering students a chance to surprise their friends, crushes, significant others, or teachers with a single rose and a heartfelt note. Though, the creative process is masked by the excitement of awaiting students. From the design of the notes to organizing hundreds of roses, this beloved staple entails significant logistical challenges.
According to Hetanshi Vakharia (12), ASB Chief Justice, the idea of Rosegrams originated during one of ASB’s discussions. “I’m pretty sure a lot of the events we do start with one student saying, ‘This is a cool idea,’ and if we like the idea then we build on it a little more every year,” she recalled. “I imagine the Rosegrams were brought up like that—obviously, it’s such a cute idea. It is definitely a thing unique to our school.”
In organizing Love Eagles Week, Vakharia oversees every aspect. “I’m in charge of the whole week, especially Rosegrams. I help order the roses, obtain pre-approvals, set selling dates, create publicity, and coordinate with the rallies and athletics committee to ensure Friday deliveries.”
The process begins months in advance, as vendor coordination and approvals take time. Once these steps are complete, ASB gradually transitions to the physical work of assembling the grams. “We have people sorting roses and dethroning them everyday after they come in,” she said.
Despite extensive planning, challenges remain. “This is the lowest we’ve ever seen sales,” Vakharia noted, attributing the drop partly to competition created by similar offerings from other school clubs and organizations.
While physical labor is taxing, keeping everything organized is just as intense. “The hardest part is the mental organization. I supervise many people, and everything has to be done a certain way and on schedule so nothing gets flagged or mismanaged.”
The notes attached to each rose are not only aesthetically-pleasing but practical. “We had someone design the card last year, and we liked it, so we kept it and just changed the date. They’re mostly empty but we require them to know who to give the rose to and where,” Vakharia explained. However, she believes future designs should reflect the week’s theme. “Last year, the backdrop was We Bare Bears. This year, it’s Lilo & Stitch,” she said. “I wish we had incorporated that into the notes but there’s only so much you can do in a short time.”
Regarding packaging, ASB takes a minimalistic approach. “We don’t have packaging because it’s redundant. It’s a single red rose, no need for plastic. We just hand them the rose with the note.”
On the receiving end, the impact of a Rosegram is evident in the reactions of students. “I kind of had a feeling my friend was getting me one but actually receiving it was so sweet,” Tiffany Yu (11) said. “When they called my name, I was happy and appreciative.”
Behind that moment lies a grueling schedule for ASB. “After school, we have to spend two hours sorting 800 to 900 roses. If we don’t finish, we return early the next morning,” Vakharia said. “It’s my responsibility so I’ve been working every lunch. It’s been exhausting but it’s worth it.”
At its core, the tradition is not only about mere flowers but also the genuine, heartfelt gesture. “In some way, people do look forward to this week and these kinds of activities, even if they lack school spirit. It’s nice to see the rotunda decorated and get free hot chocolate,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to see people’s faces when they receive it.”
A single red rose and a handwritten note delivered as a thoughtful Valentine’s gesture to students and staff (Art Credit: Carolyn Baskar John (11)).
Eagle Era 
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