This Valentine’s Day, you may have noticed students and faculty walking around holding bright red carnations, laughing and smiling as they received thoughtful handwritten notes from their friends and peers. The joyful sight was the result of the annual Carnation Sale, hosted by the Prom Committee, with the goal of raising funds for the 2026 Prom.

Junior Bailey Mitra, a member of the Prom Committee, explained that students had the opportunity to buy flowers in advance of the sale date and write special, handwritten letters to go along with each delivery. They also had the option to buy extra flowers on the final day of the sale for a discounted price.
Members of the Prom Committee, a dedicated group of about 20 jJuniors, took shifts managing the stand, selling flowers, and spreading the word around school and online. Mitra noted that the group played an active and eager role in the planning process, and that “everyone was pretty involved.”

The proceeds of the sale are put toward funding for our Prom, helping faculty and parents to budget in certain aspects of the event, including food and decoration. Junior Laura Picard, another member of the Prom Committee, presented a secondary goal for the Carnation Sale: an opportunity for students to spread love and appreciation through thoughtful notes and a long-lasting gift. Mitra continued: “With regards to the sale itself, we were really just trying to get the community involved in this fun annual event. It’s a full- circle moment because all the profits from the sale are going toward prom, so the community contributions are going directly back to the students at the end of the day.”

The Juniors and faculty involved in the Prom Committee worked tirelessly to sell hundreds of carnations, proving a small gesture can make a lasting impact. Between pre-orders and day-of sales, the high turnout ensured a significant boost in the prom budget. The committee is now shifting their focus to the main event. To the Juniors and Seniors: we will see you at Prom!