Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA
New interim superintendent David Krenz in his office at Brookside. He retired after 12 years as the superintendent in Austin, Minn. The search for a new superintendent is underway. Online applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on March 4. The ALAS School Board is seeking community input through an online anonymous survey that will close on Feb. 19. The survey can be found at www.alschools.org.
New Superintendent Starts Interim
ALHS musical cast performing at the dress rehearsal for the ALHS production of Mean Girls.
Mean Girls Takes the Stage
Bookmarks 1-3 were created by Sophomore Alistar Hites and bookmark 4 was made by Freshman Given Saw.
Turning Pages with Style
FFA Farm Management Team including Brielle Bakken (11), Danica Pestorious (11), Bridget Pestorious (10), and Katie Barclay (10).
School Board Highlight
Audrey Gustafson (9) sorting non-perishable foods collected by members of ALHS student council for the annual food drive. The food collected will be donated to the Ecumencial Food Pantry located at First Presbyterian Church.
ALHS Aims for Record Food Drive
College Knowledge Month in October
Junior Rice Boettcher outside the Minnesota State Capital building in St. Paul on Jan. 9. Boettcher attended Minnesota Youth in Government Conference. “You can make a lot of friends there because there’s so many people,” said Boettcher. “Everyone was just very nice to each other and even though people got into debates, it was all very polite.”
Students Explore Leadership Roles
Band President Maxx Richards organized a skating event with Ranissa Beerman, Ruby Mykkanen (12) , Katelyn Schmidt (10), Neveah Wacholz (12), Gunnar Hardison (12), and alumni Trenton Mikkels. “In each activity you are in you’re surrounded by new people and met with new challenges that always help you grow in new ways,” said Richards.
All-in: Making The Most Of Senior Year
Stephanie Schneider with her husband John, son Zachery and daughter Schneider.
Serving In The Classroom and Beyond
Senior Hailey Deming at the Rochester Aquatics Center.
From Local Pools To State Finals
Sophomore Jack Zhang is the first foreign exchange student at Albert Lea High School in five years.
Contrast In Culture
Dunn has been a coach for thirty-six years and is held in high regard by both his assistant coaches and players. He has built a family with the players. “He’s an amazing guy, and he’s one of the best coaches I have had in my life,” said senior center Reece Jeffrey.
A Tiger Can Change Its Stripes
Editor Rosa Corey-Gruenes (12), staff writer Carley Ladlie (11) and photographer Evelyn Koepke (11) at the convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Hasa Trys Convention
Art by Josephine Peterson and Eh Thaw
My Past Obsession With True Crime
The process of mixing together the peanut butter, honey and cocoa powder with only a food processor.
HASA Trys
Hasa Trys
Hasa Trys
Lana Del Rey at the 2013 Echo Awards.
Seasonal Summertime Sadness
Senior Alexis Godtland
Proud Of Who I Have Become
Illustration by Josephine Petersen and Eh Thaw.
Valentines
Game of the Year Nominee
Game of the Year Nominee
Illustration by Josephine Petersen and Eh Thaw
Galentines
Gladiator II: The Return to the Arena
Gladiator II: The Return to the Arena
The Game Show That Hid a Killer
The Game Show That Hid a Killer
Delightfully Disgusting Series
Delightfully Disgusting Series
Olympics
Olympics
8th Grader Ethan Gordon, 8th Grader Kendal Clarey, Sophomore Parker Munson and Sophmore Levi Monson are practicing in F203 for a League of Legend match. Photo Submitted
Esports
Isaiah McGaffey running for Albert Lea.
Senior Places 58th at State Meet
Cheer Squad
Cheer Squad
Emery Brouwers (Senior), Hatty Adams (Senior), and Hannah Barclay (Senior)
Albert Lea Swim Team Wins Home Meet
2023 ALHS Student Athletes Commit To Colleges
2023 ALHS Student Athletes Commit To Colleges
Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA
Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA

Galentines

What better way to celebrate friendship, women, and platonic relationships than to celebrate the day before Valentine’s day?
Kae Bee, staff writer • February 13, 2025
Illustration by Josephine Petersen and Eh Thaw

What better way to celebrate friendship, women, and platonic relationships than to celebrate the day before Valentine’s day? Many people call this day, Galentine’s Day.

You may have heard about Galentine’s Day since it originated from “Parks and Recreation” back in 2010. When they introduced it, Galentine’s Day was about celebrating women. The tradition is starting to be more inclusive by celebrating friendship beyond just women.

Valentine’s Day was fun for me back in elementary school because we would exchange gifts and sweets with the intention of celebrating one another. Nowadays it seems like you need a romantic relationship with someone to be able to exchange gifts. I get it but why can I not give my platonic guy friends chocolates without people thinking I like them? I’ve been giving every person important to me chocolate for a long time now.

There’s no need to impress someone on Galentine’s Day. Neither is there the anxiety that you’re single. Valentine’s Day is just an ordinary day to me. When the right person comes I’m sure I’ll get the hype, but for now it’s just me and my girls.

Valentine’s Day also comes with a lot of expenses. However, everything is free when it comes to Galentine’s Day. Every year me and my friends celebrate by hanging out with each other. We often cook, make art, and most importantly karaoke. Ever since we’ve done this we’ve gotten to know each other on a deeper level, and I think this is the reason why our friendship has lasted so long. Galentine’s day reminds us to appreciate our platonic relationships without any stress of being single.

You can still celebrate Galentine’s even if you’re taken, because it is a day before Valentine’s Day. There is room for both. It’s important to not only nurture your relationship but also your friendships. If you’re feeling a strain in your friendship maybe try to create new traditions on this day for bonding or replenish your friendship.

Galentine’s Day is a day for us to focus on people who make our lives better, no matter what the relationship status is.

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