First they gave thanks.
The annual Thanksgiving feast prepared by the Adult Transitions Program at Natomas High School began today with every student, parent, staff member, school official and visitor citing something they’re thankful for this holiday season.
“Mom,” “Dad” and “family” were high on the hit parade, along with “friends,” “food” and “Joel Schwieger,” who leads the transition program for 18- to 22-year-old students overcoming physical or mental challenges. A dog was mentioned, along with caring staff, a new job, video games and numerous other things, including “all the teachers I’ve had in the past” and the fact that “we’re all here together.”
The crowd, numbering dozens, then lined up for a buffet-style meal of turkey, ham, stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and bread. Participants included Trustee Teri Burns and NUSD school administrators Heather Garcia, Kristen Coates, Angela Herrera, Cecil Duke and AJ Johnston. Student volunteers served their parents, classmates and guests before sitting down to enjoy some turkey themselves.
Schwieger said that students and staff had been preparing for the feast for two days. This marks the 12th consecutive year his class has offered a traditional Thanksgiving meal. It brings people of all ages together, it contributes to holiday spirit, and for some students it’s vital for an even more fundamental reason: It’s the Thanksgiving meal they’ll get, he said.
Photos from today’s Thanksgiving feast are posted below.
