On Nov. 21, Paige Matteson hosted the fourth annual Friendsgiving with her students. 

“I wanted to have a Thanksgiving feast where they [the students] could build memories and traditions,” Matteson said. “It has since grown to include most of the school. We have the Botany class and the Emotional Support classes. We want to build friendships between all students and be a really inclusive school.” 

Junior Erinn Wertz is a student in the Botany class. This was her first time participating in Friendsgiving. 

“I helped with the Botany class at the sensory garden earlier this week,” Wertz said. “They were  excited to see me. I think it’s a good thing  that they all get to make all this food and go shopping and have a fun time being all together.” 

Superintendent Brad Hatch was in attendance at Friendsgiving. 

“We always look forward to it,” Hatch said. “I find it to be one of the most heartwarming events we do throughout the year. It directly involves our students giving back.” 

Physics teacher Jeremy Rupeka attends Friendsgiving every year, if his class schedule allows. 

“[my favorite part] is the celebration,” Rupeka said. “We are here together and it’s a nice little thing to say thanks and just enjoy each other’s company.” 

Matteson and her students grew many of the foods they used during their feast in the sensory garden. 

“We grew the raspberries, the onions and the cabbage in the garden…the kids have made everything from scratch,” Matteson said. “This is going to give them the skills they need after graduation.”

Hatch believes the students do a great job putting together Friendsgiving. 

“Our staff and students work very hard and our super, super excited for every year. They never fail to deliver,” Hatch said.