Second-grader Trista Kincaid of Gabilan Hills School said
Tuesday at the school’s annual Thanksgiving feast that she is
”
thankful to the Indians for giving us corn, and thankful to the
Pilgrims for inventing Thanksgiving.
”
HOLLISTER
Second-grader Trista Kincaid of Gabilan Hills School said Tuesday at the school’s annual Thanksgiving feast that she is “thankful to the Indians for giving us corn, and thankful to the Pilgrims for inventing Thanksgiving.”
The four second-grade classes at Gabilan Hills celebrated the holiday when they each played a different role in a holiday presentation and then enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast.
Vice Principal David Salles said that one class dressed in traditional outfits, one demonstrated how to make items from corn husks, one told stories regarding the first Thanksgiving, and the last presented historical facts about the national holiday.
After that, it was over to the multi-purpose room where hard-working volunteer parents served up turkey with all the trimmings.
“The students did a wonderful job with all aspects of the presentation, and these parents prepared and served up this meal,” said Salles, who added that the entire celebration “focuses on our school’s mission of “respect and kindness.”
The children were excited and exhibited healthy appetites as they listed off what makes them grateful throughout the year.
“I am always thankful for my dad because he spends a lot of time helping me with my homework,” 8-year-old Eduardo Ramirez said.
Jaelynn Mott, meanwhile, had a reason that everyone else could see.
“I’m thankful that my mom came to hear my speech today,” said the second-grader as she pointed her out.
Teacher Bill Sachau said his class put on a play portraying the first Thanksgiving.
“We had people playing roles and narrators who took the audience through the pilgrims meeting with Squanto and learning how to make shelter and canoes and grow corn,” the proud teacher told the Free Lance.
Parent volunteer Maria Perez got in on the warm holiday feel as well.
“It is just nice to spend time with the kids and help the school and see the school cares about them so much,” she commented.
Eight-year-old Christian Enriquez, who talked as he worked on his second plate of turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, certainly appreciated the efforts of volunteers like Perez. He said he was thankful for “all the yummy food, especially the pie we are still going to get.”
Longtime teacher Louise Deetze summed up the almost tangible feeling of holiday cheer as she looked over the children.
“I am just thankful,” she said, “for all these healthy, happy, wonderful unique children that enrich our community every day.”
