On Friday, Nov. 16, Hope Academy students and staff took time to share a Thanksgiving meal and reflect on what they’re grateful for.
Three students spoke to the assembly to express their gratitude this holiday season.
Diego
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
This quote makes me think of my mom because she is my biggest support for everything. She has given me a life I’m very lucky to have, a good home, loving care, and an abundance of food every day. We may have not had the best things, but I know that she worked her hardest to support us. I appreciate her dedication to give us a good home and loving care; all while working a full time job. My mom makes an effort to get home on time every day to be able to make food for my family. I wish I could take back every time I complained about something because now, when I look at my past, I realized she gave me everything I needed and for that I will always be thankful.
I’m so grateful for everyone in my life right now. I’m thankful for my best friend that I consider my brother. He understands when I’m down, knows what to say to support me, and he’s the best big brother I could ask for. I’m especially thankful for my girlfriend because I have never been able to open up to someone so much. My life is much happier and I’m no longer isolated and alone. She is my very best friend and I am very thankful she is in my life. I’m also grateful for all of the teachers here at Hope Academy for giving me chances to improve myself and for guiding me in my academics.
Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more.
Happy Early Thanksgiving everyone.
Alexis
For a long time I only focused on the things I didn’t have and the things that weren’t going well in my life. Today I have so much to be thankful for I couldn’t even fit it all in this speech. I am most grateful for my support system. I wouldn’t have made it this far in recovery and life without the incredible people who are constantly going out of their way for me. Especially my grandparents, who opened their home and took me in. I’m also extremely grateful for my high school, Hope Academy, and for every staff member holding me accountable. I appreciate that they genuinely care about the students and our recovery progress. I could name a million things I am grateful for; from my bed, to the car I drive, to the wonderful people in my life.
I know I’m blessed to be where I am today.
I don’t have everything I want, but I have more than I need.
Jayla
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” –John F. Kennedy
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation by returning the kindness. Here are the three things that I’m most grateful in my life.
I am grateful for my best friend Jackie. She is someone who understands me better than anyone. Jackie makes me laugh when I feel like crying, she motivates me to be a better person and she is respectful of my boundaries. I’m thankful for her friendship and support.
The second thing I’m grateful for is my dog, Pixie. She scares away the terrifying raccoons that live under my house. Pixie eats the food that I drop on the floor, saving me from cleaning up all the time. Lastly, Pixie gives me unconditional love and affection which is a true gift.
The third and final thing I’m thankful for is my classmates. They welcomed me with open arms my first day at Hope. My friends at school listen and show that they care by helping me with any problem I am having. They always seem to put a smile on my face even if I don’t feel like smiling. I ended up building a strong connection with my classmates that I have never had at any other school.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” –John F. Kennedy
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation by returning the kindness. Here are the three things that I’m most grateful in my life.
I am grateful for my best friend Jackie. She is someone who understands me better than anyone. Jackie makes me laugh when I feel like crying, she motivates me to be a better person and she is respectful of my boundaries. I’m thankful for her friendship and support.
The second thing I’m grateful for is my dog, Pixie. She scares away the terrifying raccoons that live under my house. Pixie eats the food that I drop on the floor, saving me from cleaning up all the time. Lastly, Pixie gives me unconditional love and affection which is a true gift.
The third and final thing I’m thankful for is my classmates. They welcomed me with open arms my first day at Hope. My friends at school listen and show that they care by helping me with any problem I am having. They always seem to put a smile on my face even if I don’t feel like smiling. I ended up building a strong connection with my classmates that I have never had at any other school.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” –John F. Kennedy
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation by returning the kindness. Here are the three things that I’m most grateful in my life.
I am grateful for my best friend Jackie. She is someone who understands me better than anyone. Jackie makes me laugh when I feel like crying, she motivates me to be a better person and she is respectful of my boundaries. I’m thankful for her friendship and support.
The second thing I’m grateful for is my dog, Pixie. She scares away the terrifying raccoons that live under my house. Pixie eats the food that I drop on the floor, saving me from cleaning up all the time. Lastly, Pixie gives me unconditional love and affection which is a true gift.
The third and final thing I’m thankful for is my classmates. They welcomed me with open arms my first day at Hope. My friends at school listen and show that they care by helping me with any problem I am having. They always seem to put a smile on my face even if I don’t feel like smiling. I ended up building a strong connection with my classmates that I have never had at any other school.’
I’m blessed beyond measure and appreciate all the gifts I’ve been given.