Each year, we gather before everyone heads off for November vacation to celebrate, express gratitude, and enjoy a feast. The Thanksgiving service is designed by students with help from staff members. This year, students read poems they selected, shared traditions, and thanksgivings. One student brought in Christmas crackers, his own family tradition, which meant we ended the service with everyone wearing paper crowns!
When students were asked what they were thankful for this year, they shared the following:
- All of my friends at Rock Point
- My opportunity here
- Bodie and all the dogs
- 5 Guys Burgers and Fries
- The opportunity to better myself
- Second chances
- Animals
- My brothers
- My family
- My friends
- Rock Point's Teachers supporting me so I can thrive in school
- My room
- Kevin's great food
- Rock Point and its community
- The care I receive from my friends
- All of the staff and students being nice and inclusive
- My efforts become a better person
Our students are always reflecting on what is important to them and this list shows what they value in their lives. It also serves as a reminder, going into the holiday season, that the most significant things in our lives are not things. They are the people, places, and animals that we love and the communities that embrace us.
We were so happy to see so many alumni, former staff, friends, and family at our Thanksgiving celebration. Our community has a rich history and we love seeing former students and staff return to share their stories! The service ended with one of our students performing an original song she wrote on her cello. You can watch her performance below: