Every February, students eagerly line up at a small stall in the lunch area, excited to grab Valentine’s Day gifts and treats for friends, loved ones and even secret crushes. What many don’t realize, however, is that behind the festive display of gifts lies a group of dedicated students from the Special Education department. All items are handmade and organized by these students, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the department’s programs at Cypress Ranch.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year because making the gifts is very fun and we get to raise money for our department too,” senior Alexandria Macejewski said.

The stall offers a variety of Valentine’s Day items, including chocolate roses, teddy bears, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, candy bouquet and more, each handcrafted with care.

“I love the unique spin on all the Valentine’s gifts. It could simply be a box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, yet they put them into a paper flower bouquet, making it look 100 times better,” sophomore Samantha Araujo said.

In the end, the Valentine’s Day stall not only brings joy to the students who receive these thoughtful gifts, but it also serves a greater purpose. By supporting the Special Education department, the event highlights the creativity, hard work and sense of community that makes Cypress Ranch unique. Whether it is the handcrafted candy bouquets or the adorable teddy bears, every purchase helps fund programs that benefit students and foster an environment of inclusion and empowerment. It’s a reminder that small acts of kindness and support can create a lasting impact.

“I was planning on checking out the stall the moment I saw it open up, but when I heard that it helps fund the Special Education Department. I knew for sure I had come and buy something,” sophomore Alissa Poulson said.