For years, Glenbard South students have enjoyed the performance of South’s Singing Valentines every February 14. What started with a small a capella group has bloomed into an unforgettable tradition led by Unaccompanied Minors, bringing joy to classrooms all around the school.

This tradition started with The Quad, an a capella group made up of four tenors and basses. “When I got to South,” said Ms. Elizabeth Hutchinson, South’s choir director, “I made an effort to condense the different extracurricular groups that we had.” Many of the same people were in each original a capella group, and, by condensing them, these students could accomplish more together. Through this organization, the a capella group we all know and love was born. The Unaccompanied Minors have carried on The Quad’s wonderful Valentines tradition since 2022.

From the original four members, the voices behind the singing valentines have expanded to 20 students. The singers are split into two groups of ten who simultaneously deliver valentines to classes throughout the school. This has allowed the group to do a larger amount of valentines than ever before. “Last year we were able to sell 113 total,” said Ms. Hutchinson, “and we wouldn’t be able to do that many if it was just one group of students.”

“My favorite part is knowing that it brings joy to people,” said Ms. Hutchinson. All of the earnings made from the Singing Valentines is donated to the Glen Ellyn Youth and Family Counselling Service to help people in our community get the mental health resources they need. From their roots in The Quad to today, the singing valentines have established themselves as an integral part of Glenbard South that brings joy to the community.