Small Acts of Love From Stanton Kids

By Ashley Wang | Features | Feb. 14, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (SCPDA) — Love can be as grand as a bouquet of roses or as simple as a gentle kiss on the cheek. No matter how it is expressed and received, love is an authentic connection that speaks from the heart. Every year, Valentine's Day celebrates these affections with gifts, chocolates, and heartfelt acts. But beyond the traditions of Valentine’s Day, students at Stanton College Preparatory School express affection in various ways throughout the year, from everyday gestures to special traditions. 

"I like to spend my day and time with [my boyfriend] on Valentine’s Day," said sophomore Sophia Teng, “usually by going out, spending quality time, [and] maybe [going] out to eat or some fun activities." 

Traditionally for Valentine’s Day, people choose to engage in romantic or enjoyable activities with those close to them as a way to express love. For some, it is about grand romantic gestures—flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten letters. Others value symbolic gifts with deep meaning, with thought and effort behind them. The pressure to give the perfect gift to be perceived as a good partner makes the holiday feel overly commercialized. 

“I prefer handmade gifts because you can tell more thought went into it as opposed to just going out and buying something you see,” said sophomore Regan Sadler, “You can tell how well someone knows you by the gifts they get you.” 

Ultimately, the gifts a person chooses reflect the unique bond between the giver and receiver, to tell each other that they love and cherish them. Flowers, especially roses, are a timeless symbol of love, with red symbolizing love, white for purity, and yellow for friendship. Chocolates, often heart-shaped, offer sweetness in taste and emotion. Handmade crafts, photo albums, or planned dates reflect the thoughtfulness behind the gift.  

“I love to give flowers on Valentine’s Day to my [friends] because it is so cute and romantic,” said junior Aishni Verma, “If I were to receive a gift I would love to get chocolate, especially a Ferrero Rocher. Those are my favorite chocolates and if I were to get roses, I want them to be red roses.” 

Beyond the gifts, different cultures and traditions shape how people celebrate. While store-bought presents can be more expensive, handmade gifts are often seen as more personal, thoughtful indicators of greater effort. People with romantic partners are more likely to celebrate Valentine's Day due to the societal focus on romantic love, which frequently encourages couples to mark the occasion. They often use social media to post their significant other as a way to publicly display their love, essentially "showing the world" how much they care about their partner.  

“If I were to see a social media influencer [post their significant other], I would not care, that is someone across on the other side of the world,” said Saud Alburaih, “But if it is someone I know personally, that is going to hit a lot for me, like if my friend can do it, then what the heck am I doing?” 

Evidently, social media shapes the holiday, often creating pressure to be in a relationship or present a certain image online. While some view Valentine’s Day as a time for love and cherished memories, others may feel left out due to societal expectations. The day can bring both joy and loneliness, depending on personal experiences and perspectives. Despite often being associated with romantic love, it can be a day to celebrate love with anyone, including friends, family, and even pets, making it a day to express affection in a broader sense. 

“I think Valentine’s isn’t just for couples, it is also for friends,” said freshman Saanvi Arutla, “You can love somebody that is not your significant other as love is for anybody.” 

Valentine’s Day sometimes seems to be made for couples, as a day specially dedicated to each other, a time to focus solely on one another. It is a chance to enjoy and appreciate the other's company, a sentiment that reflects the joy of sharing the day with someone significant, making the day feel special and personal. However, for those without a romantic partner, the day can still be filled with love. Friends who share memories and joy can offer even greater gifts of companionship. Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic affection—it is a celebration of all kinds of love. Platonic or romantic, people can still be soulmates. 

“I [do not] have a boyfriend so I would [celebrate it like] Galentine’s Day,” said freshman Shriti Mera, “Being with all your friends, having a picnic, [and] hanging out.” 

Whether the holiday is celebrated with a romantic partner, close friend, or alone, it is an opportunity to feel and express love for the important people in one’s life. Love, in all its forms, deserves recognition every day of the year.