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November 25, 2009

Giving thanks

Plato feeds more than 100 in annual Thanksgiving feast

Derrick Miller

DUNCAN — Thanksgiving is essentially people giving thanks. And the Plato students, through song and interaction with their parents, showed their appreciation Tuesday.

Plato Elementary’s first-grade classes had their annual Thanksgiving feast in the school’s gym. The students started with a musical program, featuring songs of thanks. This was followed by food provided by parents.

Amanda Warburton, homeroom mother, said, “We hit all the highlights of what Thanksgiving is about.”

Warburton said the program takes about three weeks to plan, mainly because of organizing the menu with parents. About 120 people, including nearly 50 students, enjoyed the meal.

“It takes just a little coordinating with all the parents,” Warburton said.

“Everyone brings a little to feed a lot.”

The classes have lists of items needed for the activity. The items, whether food, cutlery or desserts, are divided up among parents. This helps to avoid parents bringing the same items.

Warburton said this isn’t the first Plato first-grade feast she’s helped with. She participated in the planning process for another one of her children, too.

This is the last year first-grade teachers Linda Craig and Vicki Vermadahl will be able to have the Thanksgiving feast with the first-graders. At the end of the school year, both teachers will be retiring.

“They’ve been doing this for years,” Warburton said.

“It’s always a new adventure.”

Craig and Vermadahl said they hope next year’s teachers will continue the tradition and have a Thanksgiving feast for the first-grade students.

Craig said she couldn’t imagine not doing the program next year, but will have to adjust to the idea.

While the thought of having the program without Craig and Vermadahl may be unimaginable to those who have experienced the festivities, the event remained upbeat and served as a to celebrate togetherness.

The program also joins in on the season of giving. First United Methodist Church lent tables and chairs for the activity.

Although the food menu ranged from turkey to corn to fruit to desserts, it was not the biggest feature. One of the biggest attention grabbers was the musical program that kicked off the feast. The first-graders gathered in front of their parents and family members and sang several songs, including a song titled “Thank You.”

“Watching the kids perform, that’s the best part,” Warburton said.



— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.

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