SACO — Evergreen Manor Nursing Home resident Elizabeth Choate brought a bouquet of fresh flowers up to her face and breathed in the scent.

“Aren’t they beautiful,” she said. “Thank you.”

Choate and other residents received bouquets of carnations from Thornton Academy students on Valentine’s Day.

The students delivered flowers to female residents of area nursing homes Thursday.

Student Council faculty advisor Caryn Lasante said the annual event is a joint project of the high school’s student council and Interact Club. She said 1,150 carnations were ordered for the 380 bouquets handed out that day. Students raised money for the flowers with “Quarters for a Smile,” soliciting donations during lunch time in exchange for gum.

Bobby Begin, president of the senior class at Thornton, said he and others had arranged the bouquets earlier that morning. Begin said it was his first time being involved in the Valentine’s Day project.

“I’m so glad I got to be part of it,” he said. “It’s a really great experience. We get to bring them joy, and it’s a lot of fun.”

For residents at Evergreen Manor, the flowers were only part of the festivities that day. They also made Valentine’s Day cards with students from Young Elementary School.

Two Valentine’s Day queens were chosen after votes from staff and visitors were tallied.

Residents Rita Cote and Diana Hodge were crowned with tiaras, given flowers, chocolates and balloons; and posed for photo opportunities.

“I’m glad I had my hair fixed,” said Cote.

The two said they were both surprised.

“I just don’t believe it,” said Hodge. “It took my breath away.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.