By Staff Writer, Starla Marcelo
Every year, Thanksgiving falls on the last Thursday of the month of November. Families across the country gather to celebrate and give thanks for their blessings. It is a crucial part of American culture, derived from the historical Thanksgiving feasts shared between the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans and the English settlers at Plymouth Rock, or the Pilgrims. It is so important to be thankful year round, but Thanksgiving is a reminder that there are things to be grateful for all around us. In 2024, Thanksgiving is on November 28th, so the Broadcaster organized a list of 28 things we should all be thankful for this year, and every year.
- Morristown’s Vibrant Culture
One of the things that makes Morristown specifically an amazing place to live is the diversity and vibrancy of the town’s culture. Our restaurants, bakeries, parks, and downtown area stand out against surrounding towns for their uniqueness and beauty.
- Internet Access
Morris School District is very lucky to have extensive internet and wifi access throughout the school buildings; a luxury that many districts and schools do not have. When schools across the state, and country, needed to shut down almost five years ago due to the pandemic, the Morris School District was ready and equipped to provide every student with a working Chromebook and reliable internet to continue their education and learning.
- MHS Arts
The Arts Programs at Morristown High School are some of the many high points of our curriculum. With classes spanning from visual arts to ceramics, students have the opportunity to take a variety of subjects and expand their knowledge of creative techniques.
- MHS Sports
Sports are a major part of student life at the high school. Our student-athletes can be identified through their dedication, passion, and love for their sport. Not only this, but games are some of the many community events that bring MHS students together and create such a supportive and inclusive community.
- MHS Music
Our talented music department is just one of the things that makes MHS so great. The concert band, marching band, orchestra, and jazz band are some examples of the amazing programs students can join to express their love for music and performing.
- Student Mentoring
Student-mentorship programs like PGC as well as student tutors from things like the Math Honors Society, English Honors Society, and National Honor Society peer tutors at Homework Club are a demonstration of the commitment of MHS students to their peers.
- Healthy Food Options
MHS is very lucky that our cafeteria selection provides a variety of nutritious, accessible lunch options. There are offerings of balanced meals for breakfast and lunch every day.
- Weekends
As much as we’re all grateful to have the privilege to come to school, I can definitely say that we’re all just as grateful to be able to unwind and decompress over the weekends. Taking time for your family, your friends, and yourself is important and should not be neglected.
- School Events
School-organized events such as dances, coffeehouses, and banquets are a fabulous way to celebrate and become more involved with the MHS community. Even just working on the Staff Writers at our very own student newspaper has given so many students the opportunity to meet new people and collaborate at events right here at the school.
- College Counseling Services
The transition out of high school into adulthood is an extremely difficult time for young people. Thankfully, MHS provides a multitude of resources for students to make this transition just a little bit easier.
- MHS Library
Need to research something for a project? Looking for a new read? The MHS library has you covered. Our librarian, Mrs. Leuttchau, is happy to help you with finding whatever you need.
- Freedom
MHS is unique because of the amount of freedom and involvement students have in their course selection process. Because of the wide number of core and elective course options our curriculum boasts, the possibilities of paths you can take are endless.
- Air-conditioning/Heating
One of the many advantages MHS has is our heating and cooling system. Many schools unfortunately do not have the privilege of an AC system, and I’m sure that during the cold/warm months we can all appreciate this privilege.
- Tech Support
MHS is lucky to have extensive technological involvement in our curriculum, and we wouldn’t be able to uphold this without the amazing tech support staff. Their troubleshooting of various tech issues keeps MHS afloat.
- Diversity
MHS boasts an incredibly diverse student body, staff, and general community which is reflective of the diversity of Morristown itself. It is a key part of what makes MHS so incredibly unique and special.
- Cafeteria Staff
Our wonderful and hardworking cafeteria staff work hard to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for the MHS student body. Without them, we would not have access to quality in-school lunches.
- Custodial Staff
The custodial staff at MHS are some of the most valuable parts of our community. They keep our school tidy, clean, and sanitary and allow for us to have a pleasant school experience without having to worry about trash and mess.
- Your Voice
Students at MHS play a crucial role in their own education. If there are changes you want to make in our community, there are resources in place for you to voice those opinions and make those changes.
- Guidance Counselors
The guidance department is an important support system for students at MHS. They provide significant resources for improving your school experience. They do an excellent job at catering to the needs of students and adapting curriculum to meet those needs.
- Security Guards
MHS’ security guards are well-loved by the community, and for a good reason. Besides keeping students safe, the security guards will always bring a smile to your face. Without them, our school would not be as secure or well-protected.
- MHS Community
MHS is a tight-knit hands-on community throughout the students, staff and families. You will never be alone when you are a part of our community.
- Administrative Team
The administration at MHS keeps our school running smoothly and soundly from behind the scenes. Every aspect of our daily operations are made possible by the work that administration does to ensure student life is ideal.
- Nurses and Health Office
Our nurses will always prioritize the health and wellbeing of our students and staff. They are a group of helpful, friendly individuals who are well-versed in safety and healthcare. From the smallest injury to a large-scale emergency, they are prepared to spring into action and assist to the best of their abilities.
- First-responders
Morristown’s first responders (police/EMTs/firefighters/etc.) are the cornerstones of our community. Their work ensures that everyone is safe and getting the help they need at all times. When we have emergency situations at MHS, they are always the first ones on the scene without a second thought.
- Teachers
Our school would be absolutely nothing without our teachers. Whether they’ve been here for 5 years or 50, there will always be a student who values and looks up to that teacher endlessly. Throughout the years of education, teachers have played such significant roles in the lives of each and every student. The world would not be able to progress nor function without our teachers.
- Public Education
Of course, the access to teachers and public schooling is a privilege in its own right. Not only are we lucky to receive public education, but quality public education which is an entirely different question. The district and staff work exponentially hard to provide the best education possible for students.
- Friendship
While our education is infinitely important, school is nothing without the pursuit of our own individual happiness and enjoyment. Who better to enjoy life with than our friends? School is an excellent way to branch out and make new friends that last lifetimes.
- Family
The most common and significant focus of this holiday, however, is of course, on family. Family comes in many forms, but one thing we can all agree on is that family is always, always something to be thankful for. So even beyond the holidays, remember to make sure your family knows how appreciated they are.
Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at the Broadcaster!