This Thursday, Feb. 15, will be the first annual Friendship Day. The holiday, proposed by English teacher Adam Bearson, is meant to celebrate the platonic relationships in our lives.

In a time filled with hearts and romance, making sure to show appreciation for the other connections is especially important for students. Festivities include preparing gifts such as bracelets, drawings, songs, poems, or letters for the people you love, and presenting them throughout the day. 

Earlier this year, a student began talking about Friendship Day on Feb. 20, which would involve students and staff attending at a nearby restaurant. During an interview, a teacher told Bearson that this event had not actually been planned. But, it gave Bearson the idea to turn it into a reality.

Friendship Day conveniently falls during Kindness Week, a national holiday celebrated the week of Valentine’s Day. Throughout the week, Student Government will host a variety of events during lunch to highlight the importance of kindness leading up to Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17. The week will feature lunchtime activities, spirit days and even therapy dogs.

To combat the loneliness that many people feel during this time of year, the holiday allows everyone to recognize and appreciate the love that they have in their lives, and spread that to others.