Valentine's Day

Love was in the air—and in the ovens—at Reedsburg Area High School as students and staff celebrated February 14th. Whether through handmade treats or carefully chosen gifts, the RAHS community found unique ways to show appreciation for the important people in their lives.

For many, the best way to a person’s heart was through their stomach. Junior Nene Tokunaga planned a marathon baking session, whipping up batches of cookies and brownies. To give them a seasonal flair, she used "strawberry pinkish sprinkles." Tokunaga, a foreign exchange student from Japan, didn't just bake for a "Valentine" in the traditional sense; she looked to spread joy to everyone. "I want to make a good, yummy sweet and to make people feel happy," she said.

Tokunaga also brought a global perspective to the holiday. In Japan, Valentine's Day follows a specific two-month tradition: on February 14th, girls typically give sweet gifts to boys, and the favor is returned on March 14th—known as "White Day"—when boys give desserts or flowers back. However, she noted that among her peers, "it’s mostly common to exchange treats among friends." For fellow student bakers, Tokunaga offered a bit of practical advice: "Try not to overcook them and sanitize your hands and utensils well."

This spirit of connection was a common theme among juniors. Jeremiah Olivares gifted his own hoodie along with flowers to build "a stronger connection," while Makayla Markofski stuck with the classics—chocolate and flowers—to "appreciate how much they do for me." For those on a budget, Savanna Ewers suggested that handmade was often better. She recommended decorating a picture frame with stickers and a personal photo. "I want him to think that I care for him," Ewers said, adding a safety tip for DIY-ers: "Be careful with the hot glue gun!"

The evolving nature of these traditions hasn't gone unnoticed by the faculty. Mrs. Kramer, a teacher at RAHS, has observed a significant shift in how students have celebrated over the years. “I feel like it’s become bigger; it’s almost like students are making it like a ‘promposal’ and it’s more popular,” she noted.

Teachers also made their own plans to join in the festivities. “I like gift exchanges and fancy food, and I love spending time with the people I love,” said Ms. Howe. Whether it involved buying cologne, baking brownies, or enjoying a meal with loved ones, the consensus at RAHS was clear: Valentine’s Day was about making the people around you feel truly appreciated.