Herriman High School has a special Valentine’s Day tradition. A group of male students come together to purchase and distribute roses to any girl who wants one. This tradition is just a simple act of kindness and has grown to be very loved. It brings people together, and its goal is to make sure everyone feels included and appreciated on a day that can be lonely for some. It Is an act of generosity rather than a small gift. It’s like a way to cultivate a sense of belonging and bring positive energy within the school community.
Herrimans tradition all started four years ago by a man named Bobby Johnson who passed it on to his brother Leland. “Yes, it has always been roses,” said Cannon Tidwell when asked if they only use roses or if they use other types of flowers. The tradition went on for 3 years but didn’t happen this year because we didn’t have school on Valentine’s Day. So instead, they compromised and handed out the roses at the basketball game the night of Valentine’s Day.
This tradition doesn’t have a name; it’s just a group of guys trying to spread some love. Tidwell added “Nobody is chosen to do it, it’s all voluntary. Just a group of friends who keep the tradition alive.” That’s the beauty of it…no obligations, just a shared commitment to keeping the tradition alive. Just know that when you volunteer for something like this you have to help with the preparations of advertising. You have to help with buying, de-thorning, and watering the roses if you want to help pass them out.
Tidwell says, “We try to do 1,700 roses each year if we can.” That is a meaningful little tradition we do, and aiming for 1,700 roses each year shows our community’s dedication.
They have enough roses to give one to every female at Herriman High. If there are any extra roses left over, they will take them to the Old Folks Sage Wood in Daybreak. They spread kindness at Herriman High, but are also thinking about brightening the day for the elderly can sometimes show that our small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
When asked where they get the funds for the roses, Tidwell said, “We raise the money through donations. We distribute flyers and use social media to encourage people to donate.” Distributing roses follows no script; they don’t plan what to say or do. Tidwell added, “We just hand them out to every girl walking into the school, then walk around to every classroom and double-check that everyone got one.” This approach seems to allow for a more personal and authentic experience between one another, making this tradition seem more natural and sincere.
