High school- these are the years of crushes, best friends and young love. However, many high school students have trouble finding something special to give their significant others on Valentine’s Day. The solution: a fresh and beautiful bouquet of red, white and pink flowers. La Porte High School’s Girl Reserves figured this issue out five years ago and since then has been selling the flowers every Valentine’s Day.
“We started the sale five years ago to raise money to benefit child abuse outreach within La Porte County,” clubs sponsor Ingrid Voelker said.
Sales support the club’s annual focus on a charity and scholarships. Yet the carnations do more than benefit the community. The flowers are a simple symbol of affection for the students to share.
The sales require an extra effort for the cabinet members. The ladies sold tickets at lunch, organized the flowers, and delivered the flowers during fourth and fifth period.
“It was a lot of fun to walk into the classroom and make someone’s day. When someone receives a flower, their face lights up,” cabinet member LeeAnna Ciatsko said.
The Girl Reserves cabinet members sold the flowers a week prior to Valentine’s Day and personally delivered the flowers during school hours. The result: a very public proclamation of affection for a student’s peers to witness.
“It was such a mood changer to be sitting in class and then receive a beautiful flower,” student Maria Sobecki said.
Overall, this year’s sales were successful in both the love and community department.
“The flowers were beautiful. I love getting involved in this project. The flowers make student’s blush and raise money for worthy causes,” cabinet member Rachel Paar said.
Girl Reserves is an all-female club comprised of high school students. The club is dedicated to community service and the enrichment of character. Throughout the year, the club does many community service projects.