Valentine’s Day-themed singing served as the opener for each class on Thursday, Feb. 12. From Monday, Feb. 2, until Wednesday, Feb. 11, the third-floor hallway was filled with students and staff. Lined up in front of a CET-manned table, they waited to buy one of the five singing valentines. The list included L-O-V-E, Call Me Maybe, Count on Me, and other themed tunes.
For three dollars per song, 10-15 CET members went from class to class and sang to the person that they were assigned. Buyers could choose to stay anonymous, reveal themselves or claim it was from someone else, and send their gift to a colleague, teacher or fellow student. Each song lasted about one minute, accompanied by hand movements or a mini dance, with the group singing about 5 total songs each class period.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said sophomore Mira Authier, a singer in the event. “I’m glad I’m able to participate, and it’s cute to spread joy.”
The tradition predates the current director of CET, Emily Wilson-Tobin; it has been around for more than ten years. The tradition is entirely student-led by the CET student board. All the money goes towards CET.
“The singing valentines are a fun way for CET to raise a little extra money for our work,” Wilson-Tobin said. “And, at the same time, to use some of the skills and talents that exist within the group.”
This year, some things within the nature of the fundraiser have changed—changes that some believe are for the better.
“I love that this year, teachers are sending singing valentines to each other,” Wilson-Tobin said. “Sometimes, it’s sort of a prank.”
FOS teacher Courtney Kiley went on vacation early; however, in her wake, she purchased a custom song for fellow science teacher, Marcy McCormick. And, all singing valentines bought for Kiley went to the history teacher, Ryan Silvester.
English teacher Robert Lavelanet sent two singing valentines this year. He sent one to English department head Tracy Anderson and the other to Kiley.
“Courtney and I have a prank-filled and joking relationship at school,” Lavelanet said. “It’s awesome. We’ve often pranked each other in various ways, but of course, Courtney was on vacation. So instead, I sent them to Ryan.”
A long-standing tradition, the singing valentines carry on for yet another year.
“I love Valentine’s Day because it’s a holiday in which singing to someone is not only acceptable, but generally encouraged,” Lavelanet said. “I wish more holidays were like that.”
