Ahead of Thanksgiving, we asked our Junior Reporters what they are most thankful for in 2020.
Payton Whalen
During this time of year, everyone is thinking about what they are thankful for. There are many things I am grateful for.
I am thankful for my family. We have been able to spend more time with each other this year. They always have my back. Even if some of my family are farther away, they still are always there for me, comforting me and making me laugh.
I am also thankful for all of my friends. I have so many memories of my friends from near and far. I know I can count on them whenever.
Another thing I am thankful for is my school. Although we can’t all be on campus right now, my school has done an amazing job with everything. I love the teachers and kids.
Furthermore, I’m thankful for my town. I love the Palisades; there are so many things to do and places to go. I love the events they have for everyone. It has been incredibly helpful throughout this tough year. Most of the businesses and restaurants have tried to stay open, so everyone can stay connected.
This year might be a little different from most, but I am still so thankful for all that I have.
Reagan Whalen
There are a lot of things to be grateful for in life. Some of these things we take for granted, like school. Some kids may think that school is a waste of time, and that those who don’t go to school or have homework are lucky. But that could not be further from the truth.
This Thanksgiving I have a totally different perspective on things because of COVID. I used to take regular school for granted, but now I miss it more than ever. I miss learning in class with my teachers. I miss goofing around with my friends and sitting with ALL of them during lunch instead of just in my cohort. And most of all, I miss seeing my friends smile without a mask.
Not going to school is hard. But having my family with me has made it easier. I am so grateful to have my brother, my sister, my mom, my dad and my dog with me. Even if something totally unexpected happens, we are a family and we will figure it out together.
So, this Thanksgiving I am going to be grateful for my family and I hope we return to school soon.
Audrey Smith
October 17, 2020. A day to remember in a year to forget.
On that day, I became a bat mitzvah—an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community. I chanted my Torah portion, not in a synagogue, but in a picturesque clearing surrounded by a ring of verdant towering oak trees and vermillion flowers that looked like vibrant butterflies dotting the brush.
More importantly, I was surrounded by love. I am grateful that even in the middle of these dire times, there are opportunities to create treasured memories.
Riley Keston
I am most grateful for my dog Tiki and my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Farrell.
I am grateful for Tiki because on my sad days he is always there to cheer me up. He is my favorite doggie in the whole world! I couldn’t ask for a fluffier, cuter and more dangerous partner in crime.
I am also grateful for Mrs. Farrell because she taught me so much and challenged me to get better at math, especially multiplications tables.
Without her, and my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Fein, I would not be able to crush it on word problems.
Now that I am in 4th grade with Ms. Chaides, I am grateful for the Language Arts challenges that she gives me. I am actually really grateful for all of my Marquez teachers! They are what makes Riley Keston, Riley Keston.
FYI, I am NOT grateful for global warming or soft bacon, even though I know that what I am not grateful for is not the assignment.
Hanna Shin
Now more than ever I’m thankful for good health and my family. Indeed, family’s everything and health is wealth. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Are you interested in learning more about our Junior Reporter program? Send an email to mypost@palipost.com for more information.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.