February commemorates the season of love with Valentine’s Day items decorating the aisles of stores around the United States. Fortunately, due to Benson’s student leaders, this festive spirit was able to be seen within the school.

The focus of romantic love on Valentine’s Day often leaves many feeling left out. Student council members combatted this by selling candy grams outside of the library everyday at lunch the week before Valentine’s Day to spread love to every member of our campus.

“We chose to create a fundraiser dedicated to Valentine’s Day to bring people together and create a positive impact on our school community,” student council president Amina Gedo said.

Every member of Benson’s diverse population, including teachers, were allowed to buy a candy gram to dedicate to a loved one. Rather than catering to romantic love, these candy grams allowed for love of all forms to be appreciated.

“I feel like the candy grams helped spread positivity as it gave students a way to connect with others as well as giving them something to look forward to,” junior Ta Paw said.

Candy grams were delivered two days before the Valentine’s Day which built anticipation around the special event, even if it ended in disappointment.

“I think it can make your day better and surprise you,” senior Lina Dominiak said. “But on the other hand, if you don’t get one and your friend gets one that could be bad.”

Not only did the candy grams serve as an amazing way to spread love around Benson, but fundraisers like this are needed to fund other student council ran events.

“The student council chose to do a Valentine’s Day fundraiser to raise funds for upcoming events like the talent show, water balloon fight and prom,” junior senator Nay Htoo said.

Even though this fundraiser ended successfully, the officers faced problems with member participation. Student council has had an increasing number of members, yet officers often feel stressed managing the responsibilities required for events like this.

“I have noticed that participation and planning is the hardest part while leading the student body,” sophomore senator Sarah Htoo said.

Regardless of the difficulties, events like these are needed to continue the development of student culture at Benson. Sponsors have acknowledged student council’s hard work, allowing the club to advance its events into a new direction.

“With enough funds obtained by a generous donor, I don’t believe there are any current plans for any future fundraisers apart from face painting during the soccer games,” Nay Htoo said.

The money earned and school spirit spread from the candy gram fundraiser has lit the spark for future activities dedicated to the student body.

“The future of student council is bright with the extra funding received,” Paw said. “This allows for mode opportunities and hopefully new things as well.”