![Walking through the tunnel created by the cheerleaders and Celebrities, senior Frances Tran smiles as the soccer team is sent off during DEN for their playoff game against Rouse tonight. Tran said the wins against Smithson Valley and Alamo Heights gave the team a morale boost to take on the Raiders tonight. “I know we were not 100% confident in those games,” Tran said. “But, Rouse is a big opponent for sure. We’re definitely going into tonight with a lot of morale [because of the previous wins].”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/frances-tran.jpg)
![Holding a bucket of materials in one hand and a roll of tape in another, anatomy and biology teacher Tyler Terry prepares for a lab. Terry said his proudest moments are when his students are happy to see him. “When I take my wife to a football game or something and a bunch of students want to say hi to me or they like to smile and wave and it just makes me feel good that the students are really kind and supportive of me,” Terry said. “[I’m also] proud when I see students perform really well in their extracurriculars because I can see how hard they’re working in my classes, [so] when I see that they’re also working so hard in other things. Like they’re winning band competitions or they’re getting awards for their theater productions, or I see them put on their choir shows, that’s like, wow, you guys are incredible.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rags-6.png)
![Catching a ball, junior Alivia Robinson plays at the Cedar Park vs Glenn game. Having played since she was 5 years old, she is dedicated to softball and has committed to UTPB for softball. “When I got my offer it took me a very long time to decide where,” Robinson said. “Softball has always been my dream for college, and UTPB is my fit. When [I committed] I knew I was going to be loved and supported.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lilly-Adams-3.13aliviaedit-901.jpg)
![Holding her dog, Nova, senior Ariana Balakrishnan poses for her senior pictures while Nova wears a bandana with her college decision. Balakrishnan applied to 18 colleges in total, but she decided on Columbia in the end. “Right before I clicked the button to open Columbia’s letter, I literally looked at the camera and go ‘This is just gonna really suck because I wanted it so bad,’ and I clicked it and all of a sudden you hear trumpets,” Balakrishnan said. “There’s a video that plays when you open it and I actually didn’t watch the video, I just watched the screen go black, because every day of December before ED [Early Decision] I would go on YouTube and watch the acceptance video to manifest it, so immediately when the screen went black, I started screaming and jumping up and down. And my parents in the video are like ‘What are you doing, where’s the letter,’ and I was just screaming ‘I got in, I got in.” I just started crying, and it just felt like everything in the world came together.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ariana-2-300x217.jpg)
Days have been flying by and it’s all of a sudden the infamous Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day is known all too well, and the feelings regarding the holiday vary—depending on the relationship status of an individual. Whether you’re single or taken this year, there are many enjoyable activities the day provides, with or without love as the dominating theme. Some last-minute Valentine’s plans give the opportunity to fill the day with fun.
5 things to do with your boo
- Drive-in movies have lost their appeal as movie theaters began to sweep the world, but the fun of sitting in the back of a car trunk and eating convenient store food is unmatched. This Valentine’s, Blue Starlite Drive-in Movie Theatre is displaying a variety of different movies, from “The Notebook” to “The Princess Bride.” Prices vary depending on the amount of people, but the baseline is $55 for one car spot. Watching a movie under the stars in downtown Austin will for sure be a memorable experience, and a must-do at least once in a lifetime!
- Attempt to take up baking with your significant other and learn new recipes and possibly find a hidden talent. There are many fun recipes for Valentine’s like cookies, cake, truffles, macarons, and more. The best Valentine’s day desserts—based on critics’ opinions—have been compiled into a list of 72 recipes and how-tos. Whether or not the dessert is made successfully, cooking with a date leads to many conversations and laughs, which is perfect for the upcoming holiday.
- Watch the sunset together and experience some of Earth’s natural beauty. Additionally, this option is completely free but can provide memories for you and your other half. One of the best places to watch the sunset within the Cedar Park area is Sandy Creek park, located right off of Lime Creek Rd. Get cozy with blankets in the trunk of your car with your significant other and look out at the lake as the sun sets.
- Paint pictures of one another and have a permanent reminder of Valentine’s day. This fun activity will bring lots of laughter and is minimal cost, promoting quality time between you and your person. Specifically in the Cedar Park area, Michaels craft store is a great option for buying canvases, paint, and brushes all for under $20. Make a memorable art piece this Valentine’s, and use them for decoration, laughs, and more.
- Go to dinner and have a night out with your significant other. Being the most common go-to on Valentine’s, a nice dinner is always a great option. Treat yourself and your person to a night out downtown, and try a new spot. Some of the nicest spots in Austin include Perry’s, The Capital Grille, Roaring Fork, and more. Make the night memorable by going out to a place you usually wouldn’t.
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5 things to do if it’s just you
- Plan a date night with friends and spend Valentine’s with the people that you love in your life. Get a group together and set out for dinner in all pink and red, celebrating the holiday with those who choose you! If you’re wanting to take it a step further, you could even set up photo ops with heart balloons, pink streamers, and red confetti. Visit Party City to see a wide variety of these decorations.
- Brighten someone else’s day by making them a card, bringing them flowers, or even spending time with them. There are many people that don’t have anyone to celebrate Valentine’s with, so make this year memorable by changing someone else’s day with a surprise. Family members, friends, co-workers, classmates, anyone’s day could be made better by you!
- Pamper yourself by having a spa day. This could include doing your nails, getting a massage, relaxing in the bath, and more. Light some candles and treat yourself! Woodhouse Spa is a great option to check out if you’re wanting a reset.
- Find a new hobby like doing a puzzle, learning to crochet, baking new foods, or taking up painting. If you’re looking for a unique hobby or are unsure of what to do, this list of 1,000 hobbies is worth checking out. Spend this Valentine’s making progress on yourself and learning how to do something you’ve always wanted to.
- Binge a new series and decompose by eating some take-out on the couch. Watch a show or movie that you’ve been putting off for a while! If you’re looking for bingeable options, Netflix has a variety of TV shows and movies to choose from.
