It’s that time of year again with cupid flying, couples kissing, and candy eating. Most importantly at Goffstown High School: serenades. These serenades, a service provided by the National Honors Society, are something widely appreciated by a majority of the school. These serenades are a fun way to celebrate the holiday, regardless of your relationship status. However, the question is, have they gone too far?

Everyone at the school is somehow involved in the serenading process; whether they buy them, receive them, watch them, or are the people performing them. Those watching them usually consider these performances to be a lighthearted occurrence during Valentine’s Day. 

According to Alyssa Lepage, “I thought the serenades were hilarious.” Alyssa thoroughly enjoys watching an unexpecting classmate get serenaded. She loves the humor and spontaneity of it.

This perspective is the reason why National Honor Society provides this service. The sole purpose of this Valentine’s Day festivity is to provide a fun experience for the students. 

As a member and performer of serenades for National Honor Society, Katy Donovan explains how serenades are a big deal. Serenades allow all the members to be creative and express themselves. The serenades, however, have not always served their purpose, as this year an unwilling student received multiple serenades as a prank, much to his discontent.

“It doesn’t fit NHS values,” Katy explains, elaborating that if the serenades are used as a prank, or to hurt someone, they are not serving the intended purpose or meeting the National Honor Society values.

This perspective is being considered by the officials of the school, where they are rumored to be considering discontinuing the serenades completely. Katy believes that discontinuing them completely may not be the answer, but that restrictions would be a better solution.

“It’s good within reason,” she explains, “but maybe give them a break for a few years.”

Paige Wellman, a student who received a serenade, agrees with Katy and the officials of GHS. Paige doesn’t necessarily condone the festivity.

When asked what her opinion of serenades are, Paige only could think of one word.

“Annoying.”

Paige felt uncomfortable when she got her serenade, explaining that their proximity to her made her nervous.

“I just didn’t like it because they got so close, and I didn’t know any of them,” she says.

Whether or not someone is pro-serenade, it is clear that the purpose is not to humiliate or shame. It is intended to be a lighthearted activity to celebrate the holiday. If the serenades aren’t serving their intended purpose there should be measures to fix the issue.

As Katy Donovan explains, “there should be restrictions, and they’re right to take it under review.”