Members of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) helped the entire school celebrate Valentine’s Day by writing old school valentine cards and  handing them out to students on Thursday, February 11, the last school day before the Valentine’s Day holiday on Sunday, February 14. Because some find the holiday to be notorious for its exclusion of the single crowd, GSA decided to do something to help spread joy and love to everyone.

“A lot of people don’t have Valentines or significant others during this time of year,” said senior Austin Newell. “I just want to be able to spread the love and see everyone happy.”

According to Newell, the valentines were handed out by GSA members in the hallways, classrooms, at lunch, and by the Spanish Steps.

The idea was the brainchild of seniors Meghan Jenkins and Helena Jenkins, twin sisters who are both members of the group.

“We have to give Helena and Meghan Jenkins credit for the idea, we believe this will help spread love and diversity around the school,” said junior Jayci Lawson, also a member of the group.

GSA adviser Ms. Briana Butler said she hoped staff and students would like the idea, as the GSA had been looking forward to handing them out for some time.

“We have been planning this for months,” said GSA member senior Rebekah Peter, who said she kept getting more excited as the date got closer.

The group estimates at least 500 valentines were handed out.

“I really hope they do this next year as well, just next year have more valentines with candies or tattoos,” said freshman Faith Thompson, who received one of the retro valentines.

Some students who didn’t receive the valentine were disappointed.

“I wish I would’ve gotten one,” said freshman Brianna Gilson. “I didn’t even know they were doing it to be honest. If they do it next year I’d like to get one.”

On this Valentine’s Day at Northmont High School, valentines weren’t just for couples.