There are many Valentine’s Day traditions at St. Pius X. Whether Data Match or candy, love notes or flowers, there’s something for everyone, even if you’re bae-less.

Data Match is one of two love-themed fundraisers sponsored by the National Honor Society, with proceeds funding book scholarships for selected St. Pius X students.

“It all benefits the students,” senior NHS member Lily Massey said. “It’s fun for those who participate and the money goes towards deserving students.”

The second fundraiser is Candy Grams, but this year they’re deciding whether to replace the annual tradition with a delicious cup of hot cocoa.

NHS moderator and Theology teacher Dr. Liberty Hall explained that “the NHS has a definite commitment for the book scholarships at Pius, but candy grams haven’t been bringing in a lot of money.” A change to hot chocolate is simple and efficient and will hopefully empower the organization to help more students.

However, the Data Match is here to stay.  Two weeks ago on February 1, every student in the school was invited to fill out a questionnaire that asked everything from their ideal first date to their favorite Kardashian. Massey and senior NHS member Anna Consolazio coordinated and created the questions in hopes of each student finding their soulmate in the very halls of St. Pius.

Data Matches in the past have all had different questions to keep the process refreshing and spicy. Consolazio and Massey used questions from previous years but also “asked some seniors for input for others,” Massey said.

Students can purchase their Data Match results on February 14 for $5. As a second-year NHS student and the head of the Data Match, Massey’s job comes with a lot of responsibility.

“I had to create the questionnaire, publicize for it, and head the distribution of results,” stated Massey. Luckily with today’s technology, the numbers crunch themselves.

Junior Tucker Kelly takes the Data Match results very seriously.

“I will contact each person on my sheet, whether it’s in person or through email chat rooms,” he said. “As creepy as that sounds, it is all about meeting new people and making new friends.

Junior Austin Lalomia, on the other hand, declared, “farmersonly.com is the only place for me.”

Massey hopes “someone will find their true love,” while junior Jack Voss believes “it’s just Pius setting you up with who they want to see together.”

Some students get more into the matchmaking results than others.

Senior Georgia Brieske said she likes seeing “Rowan Wiley posting his results on his Instagram, hoping to find his true love with the hashtag #ontheprowl. I choked sophomore year, but I made it freshman and junior year. I can only hope to make it this year.”

Whether or not you think Data Match will bring you and your soulmate together or it’s just a conspiracy theory,  students have looked forward to this fun, lighthearted tradition for decades.

Students look forward to Valentine’s Day for other reasons, as well. For example, Voss said this is his favorite holiday because he “can eat as many pretzels as I want.” You know what they say Valentine’s Day is the holiday of love…and pretzels.

“I love making it about friends as well as your special someone,” Massey stated, while Dr. Hall hopes she “can wear my fun, tacky dress.”

No matter who you spend it with or the traditions you may have, the Golden Lines staff wishes you a Happy Valentine’s Day!