The Chapin community celebrated the season of giving through our cherished Lower School-led Thanksgiving Assemblies. The joyous gatherings were held on November 17 for students and the professional community; November 20 for Kindergarten and Class 1 parents/guardians; and November 21 for Class 2 and Class 3 parents/guardians.
A beloved and century-old Chapin tradition, the Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Harvest & Gratitude Assembly recognizes the custom of giving thanks through music, poetry and reflections while raising awareness about hunger and food insecurity.
Sporting their colorful, homemade fruit and vegetable hats, Kindergarten through Class 3 students processed into the Assembly Room with poise and confidence. Once everyone was in place, the Lower School began singing as several Class 2 and 3 students walked up the center aisle carrying symbolic harvest bowls, offering them to three Upper School student leaders awaiting them.
Guided by Lower School Music teacher Hallie Stotler, the Lower School girls performed a beautiful selection of choreographed songs and spoken-word pieces that covered various cultures and time periods.
After expressing her deep gratitude for the Chapin community, Head of School Suzanne Fogarty shared the words of Miss Chapin, who said them originally to the Class of 1919. “‘Try when you rise, always to lift someone with you or to make life richer and more beautiful for others because of your triumph.’ In other words,” noted Ms. Fogarty, “Let’s share our joys, our love, our gratitude with those around us.”
Throughout the month of November, the entire community participated in Chapin’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. This year, Kindergarten through Class 12 collected 1,327 canned and boxed food items, as well as monetary donations to fund the cost of several turkeys, all of which went to the New York Common Pantry and LSA Family Health Services. Community members also contributed an abundance of baked goods that were given to the Holy Trinity & St. Joseph’s Thanksgiving Program, which delivers meals to homebound New Yorkers. These treats were placed in beautifully decorated bags and accompanied by special cards, thanks to our Lower School students.
We are so thankful for our students who fill the School each day with light, energy and joy.
