A hallmark of Gaynor is our tight-knit community. Especially around this time of year, as we reflect on what we’re most grateful for, our community values become especially apparent in the classrooms and through service projects.
Today, students came together for Thanksgiving assemblies, which Dr. Gaynor opened by expressing his gratitude for his colleagues to the students. “I’m grateful for the dedicated faculty and staff who work so hard to ensure each of you are successful here at school. They really put their heart and soul into their work.”
Students then spoke about food inequality and celebrated the results of Gaynor’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, benefitting the Blessed Sacrament and St. Paul the Apostle food pantries. Approximately 120 large green bags of food were donated in addition to pet food for the Youth Animal Protectors (YAP) Club. The successful drive will allow dozens of families to share a Thanksgiving meal. Maureen Albert, a volunteer with the pantries, said, “You make it possible because you care. I’ve been coming here for years and each year…you are still concerned with and thinking about your neighbors and about the community and want to help. And that’s a very special gift. So on behalf of all those families who now have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, and of all of my volunteers at the food pantries, thank you for caring and thank you for being such a special school.”
Meals were also shared in various classrooms throughout the divisions to celebrate togetherness. In Ms. Kolenda’s class, students wrote positive messages about each other and were encouraged to guess who shared the sentiments. After the activity, they shared a meal together, comprised of family and favorite recipes compiled by the students. For those who would like to try the recipes at home, Class 505 prepared a recipe booklet that can be downloaded here.
