On February 14, Cupid’s arrow hit Haldane! Love it or hate it, the Haldane Chorus spearheads a thoughtful and potentially embarrassing Valentine’s Day tradition. For the past 3 years, Sam Sauer, the middle school and high school chorus teacher, has conducted the choir group in singing “Valentinograms.” Students are offered a choice of various songs they can pay to have the chorus sing for their special someone. This year, chorus students came into classrooms and serenaded students with “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys, “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Sh-boom (Life Could Be a Dream)” by The Chords, “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, and “The Longest Time” by Billy Joel.

The idea for this unique tradition was borrowed from Roy C. Ketcham High School, which Mr. Sauer attended. Ketcham used this tradition as an amusing way to raise money for chorus trips, club apparel, and competition registrations. “When I got to Haldane and started building our program, I thought it would be a wonderful addition to the year,” said Sauer.

Sauer admitted that some people need to “warm up to the idea” of the fundraiser. When people learn to let go and remember to have fun, the fundraiser can be an awesome way for students to enjoy themselves and make fun memories. However, for some, it can be seen and enjoyed in a different light. “I love when the person receiving the Valentinogram gets embarrassed,” said junior Merrick Williams. “That’s the sole goal.”

Upperclassmen in the chorus, like senior Sophie Koch, have witnessed the event’s development over the last 3 years. “I think this tradition is becoming important for Haldane,” Koch said, “and I have loved seeing it grow and flourish.”

Valentinograms are a new tradition in the Haldane community, and in recent years, it has contributed to livening up the school for Valentine’s Day.