On Monday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day took over Community High School. Classes were often stopped for CET (Community Ensemble Theater) and BSU (Black Student Union) members distributing chocolates, carnations, and best of all, singing Valentines.
Sold during lunches until Friday the 11th, these valentines were a common investment among the student body. Song choices included “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin soundtrack, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, “Every Time We Touch” by Cascada, “Every Breath You Take” by the Police, and many others. For maximum embarrassment, “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye was a popular choice.
CHS student couples from different schools find ways to spend time together on Valentine’s Day. Morgan Harvey, a freshman at CHS, saw her new boyfriend Alex Graham on February 14th during a CET Romeo and Juliet rehearsal. Harvey and Graham have been dating for about 3 weeks. They first met during CET rehearsals for Little Shop of Horrors. “We started talkin’. And talkin’…and then I asked her out,” Graham said. She waited until he asked her in person to finally say yes. Although they did not do much on Valentine’s day, “I plan on taking her somewhere [another day],” Graham said. However, Graham did get Harvey a large basket with a stuffed frog, three balloons, chocolate, and candy to show her that he didn’t forget about the special day of love.
Ed Kulka, CHS math teacher, usually spends his Valentine’s day with no extravagant gestures toward his wife, Sally. “[We’ve] just gone out for dinner. That’s about it…the best we’ve ever done is gone out for dinner,” Kulka said. Kulka and his wife Sally usually go the The Earle, “It’s one of our favorites,” Ed said.
Couples and friends had many ways to show their love for one another on Valentine’s Day. Whether it was musical humiliation, a carnation, or a stuffed frog, CHS students used this highly commercial holiday to show they care. As Harvey said, “I think it’s a Hallmark holiday, but it’s good if you have a friend.”
Click to listen to CET members sing “Sexual Healing,” “You’re the One That I Want,” and “A Whole New World.”
