Eagle Era

The ways students celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2026 are more creative than one might think

By Jovina Zion Pradeep

Valentine’s Day is often associated with grand romantic gestures, but at AHS, traditions emphasize connection and inclusivity—even for students who aren’t in relationships. 

Some students exchanged cards and desserts with classmates, a tradition that, for many, began during elementary school Valentine’s Day celebrations. “I still remember how people used to bring bags of goodies with toys, pencils, and snacks inside,” said Nida Sanglerdkatanyoo (12). 

ASB member Jinzhu Chen (12) recalled a Leadership activity in which each student received a decorated bag filled with small treats. “It brought back childhood memories, and small things like handmade gifts show appreciation to people you might not always interact with,” she said.

On a larger scale, ASB fostered that same sense of belonging through schoolwide traditions. During the annual Love Eagles Week, ASB members wrote the names of every AHS student and staff member on paper hearts displayed in the rotunda. 

“It’s fun to hunt for your name,” said Sanglerdkatanyoo. “It shows that the school cares about everyone. It recognizes that you’re part of the American High family.” 

ASB strived to keep Love Eagles Week engaging for all students by hosting activities such as a bouquet-making event, offering free candy to students who dressed in pink or red, and distributing free hot chocolate before school. 

“Writing everyone’s names on hearts is a really creative idea. Since we have thousands of students on campus, it shows how dedicated ASB is. Please keep this tradition going every Valentine’s, because I’m sure everyone wants to see their name in the rotunda,”  Sanglerdkatanyoo said (Photo Credit: Jovina Zion Pradeep

Rose Grams has also remained a highlight each year. “ASB hand-delivers roses and letters to classrooms, and seeing students’ reactions is really sweet,” Chen said. “One year, 15 roses ended up going to the same person. She was so happy, and it was really sweet.”

Groups like the AHS Crafts and Baking Club also contributed to the celebrations by selling Teddy Grams to be delivered to students’ loved ones as a way to show their appreciation. 

“I buy teddy bears every year for my friends,” Chen said. “It’s a tradition that should definitely keep going.” 

Sanglerdkatanyoo explained the importance of thoughtful gestures over expensive presents. “If you gift something that’s expensive but you don’t have genuine intentions, that’s not meaningful. But if it’s something that’s practical and handmade and it makes them feel loved, it will make them happy because it shows effort.” 

Smaller, nontraditional moments of joy near Valentine’s Day have slowly gained importance over the years. “Last year, my friends bought a Valentine’s special from Chick-fil-A, which was a heart-shaped tray with chicken, cookies, and pretzels,” Chen said. 

Although Valentine’s Day can create pressure to be in a relationship, students at AHS aim to make celebrations inclusive for everyone. “It’s really nice that our generation has turned Valentine’s into less of an idealized couple thing and more of what you might hear as Galentine’s, where people gather with their friends,” said Chen. “You just need special people in your life to appreciate them; it’s like Thanksgiving for the people you love.” 

As Chen put it, “Love everyone, love yourself, and love your family every day—beyond Valentine’s Day.”