Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. We get a few days off of school to relax, most people have a nice dinner with family and friends, and some watch football or bake their favorite dishes in the kitchen. For my Thanksgiving, I start the day off volunteering at a church in the city where I serve meals to people who, unfortunately, do not have the privilege to have a nice home cooked meal. In the afternoon, I spend time with my extended family at my house and make desserts with my mom, sister, and brother. Although I am not the biggest fan of Thanksgiving food, I love the desserts we make, including pumpkin pie, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. Everyone spends their Thanksgiving differently, so let’s see what others do!
This year, English teacher Melissa McCloy is excited to be spending Thanksgiving at her house with her extended family. Her favorite dish to make and eat is sweet potato with marshmallow topping—which is more popular than people would expect. She says she has had it for as long as she can remember and “of course it is delicious.” Her most memorable Thanksgiving was when she was in college because she and her roommates had a friendsgiving meal. What made it so special was that she made a Thanksgiving platter for the first time. A tradition her family does at the Thanksgiving dinner table is making a phone call to a family member that is not there or could not make it.
Social Studies teacher Carla Rehak is spending her Thanksgiving at a relative’s house. Her favorite dish to eat and make is any kind of stuffing. When she was younger she despised it but as she got older she began to enjoy it. Her most memorable Thanksgiving was the first time she hosted with her family. Her turkey came out perfectly and she will never forget that. Something her family does every Thanksgiving is go to a football game in the morning. While, she is and cooking most of the meal her dad is going to make the turkey. Her favorite dish to make is macaroni and cheese. She says it is a complex meal to make because everyone has different preferences on how they like theirs. Her most memorable Thanksgiving is her first Thanksgiving as a mom. Lastly, a tradition her family has is running a 5k called the Turkey Trot.
Julia Mintz ’25:
Who are you spending your Thanksgiving with?
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner is with my family at my grandparents’ house.
What is your favorite dish to make or eat and why?
I love making apple pie with my grandma.
Do you have any thanksgiving traditions? If so, what are they?
I really enjoy watching football and cooking together on Thanksgiving.
Sophie Thomas ’26:
What is your favorite dish to make or eat and why?
My favorite dish is mashed potatoes and gravy because I love potatoes and my mom
makes them really good.
Do you have any thanksgiving traditions? If so, what are they?
My family and I all tell each other what we are grateful for and why.
Eliza Castello ’24:
Who are you spending your Thanksgiving with?
I am spending Thanksgiving with my family and cousins.
What is your favorite dish to make or eat and why?
I love our Thanksgiving turkey because my dad makes it best.
Do you have any thanksgiving traditions? If so, what are they?
Spending it at my cousins house each year with football on before dinner.
Sydney Piskai ’25:
Who are you spending your Thanksgiving with?
I am spending Thanksgiving with my immediate family.
What is your favorite dish to make or eat and why?
I love pumpkin pie with dark chocolate lined crust.
Do you have any thanksgiving traditions? If so, what are they?
Going around the table and saying what everyone is grateful for!
Andrew Rankin ’26:
Who are you spending your Thanksgiving with?
I’m spending Thanksgiving with my family.
What is your favorite dish to make or eat and why?
Cranberry sauce.
Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions? If so, what are they?
I go to a food kitchen in the city in the morning and feed families or people that can
not afford a thanksgiving meal.
Rashelle Gross ’25:
Who are you spending your Thanksgiving with?
Mom and sister.
What is your favorite dish to make or eat and why?
Marshmallow sweet potatoes are the best!
