As the day winds down and the frantic rush of black Friday sweeps the nation, a reminder of the reason we continue to celebrate Thanksgiving everyday brings to light our true spirit. To some students, a friends-giving every year is a great time to gather with friends in different clubs or those who have moved away. Nevertheless, college students come home from taking their finals and reunite with their family and friends. Some students join together to run the annual Turkey Trot or cheer others on with posters or just a smile. Marching band students from both Dakota and Chippewa wake up at the crack of dawn and prepare to march the Detroit America’s Thanksgiving Parade. Even as others travel to see family in other states, the excitement of the holiday is at an all time high as it is the first break since school started in September. Even if the idea of break is the only exciting thing, students are more than ecstatic to be home.

Nevertheless, Thanksgiving is never complete with a long list of traditions each family observes differently, gathering them in laughs and love. Mr. Faoro, tenth grade history teacher, has celebrated his day watching the parade, enjoying the game, and having dinner at his uncle’s for the last 50 years. He is also thankful for being able to gather with his family and reflecting on the blessings from the past year. Thanksgiving brings many to reflect all the blessings, simple ones like friends and family to entering remission. No blessing is unimportant. Mrs. Jenkins in the main office, says that she always looks forward to cooking baking with her sister using recipes from her mother and keeping her tradition alive. All the staff at Dakota High School are very thankful for their job and the environment that comes with their careers. Teachers are able to get a break from teaching for a few days and spend time with their own family. For some teachers, like Mr. Voss, the thanksgiving break creates a marvelous time to gather and enjoy the company of family while before indulging in an enormous nap. On the other hand, some get to enjoy the family gathering at the parade, like Dr. Mcfarlen, and watch their children march in the parade.

Thanksgiving is a time to assemble the family and celebrate the blessings we experienced in the past year and hopefully make some more. So before the craziness of Black Friday gets too overwhelming, reflect on your own blessings and share a laugh with your family.

These are some of the hand turkeys that teachers filled out with their traditions and blessings for this year.