February 14th is quickly approaching, and love is in the air at NASH. Though the month may be best known for Valentine’s Day, it represents much more to NASH students. In a normal year, the annual MORP dance is all that many juniors and seniors can focus on.

MORP is North Allegheny’s version of the traditional Sadie Hawkins dance, taking its name from Prom spelled backwards. The dance is unique in the way that the girls ask the boys to be their dates. 

But after the cancellation of Homecoming this past fall, many NASH students were wondering if MORP will share that same fate.

“Student Council met to discuss ideas for the rest of winter into spring,” School Board Student Representative Juliana Werner said. “The Student Council shares its deepest condolences for not being able to throw and host a MORP. We are trying to brainstorm and bring new, safe activities to fruition.”

Because of the pandemic, it’s pretty understandable why Student Council came to this decision. Werner stressed that under no circumstances do they want to put anyone at risk of possibly getting or spreading the COVID-19. 

“In the fall, we planned a movie night at Newman Stadium. Unfortunately, the event was postponed until case numbers in the community declined,” she explained. “Since we have yet to see numbers fall, we will continue to keep that idea in mind, but the event can only take place when conditions become better.”

But Student Council still has some COVID-friendly ideas that will allow students and staff to celebrate the February holiday.

“We hope to pull something together for the holiday. We are thinking of physical valentines or candy grams to add some spirit to NASH,” Werner said.

Many NASH students understood the decision to cancel MORP, but they were still saddened by the news.

“I completely understand and agree with the Student Council’s decision to cancel dances and big events due to the current situation,” senior Campbell Schweninger said. “My family and I take the pandemic very seriously, and it satisfies me to see when the Student Council does as well. Although MORP was tons of fun last year and I will miss getting to pick a funky dress and matching with my date, I understand why it’s being canceled.”

Even though their senior year hasn’t gone as planned, Student Council still wants to do something special for the Class of 2021.

“We want to plan a fun social event to celebrate the senior’s last year at NASH,” Werner said. “We would like to plan a day of decorating our parking lots and student vehicles. This event would also include food trucks and music to hang out with.” 

Student Council is unable to give specific details on these events yet, as they are still figuring out how to logistically hold any kind of safe celebration. But for Valentine’s Day, students may just have to resign themselves to the fact that they’ll be spending the holiday at home, practicing social distancing. 

“As of right now, we cannot give any events a definite date due to the inconsistency of the circumstances.  For further information about events for NASH, class councils have their own events in the making,” Werner said.