For about 50 years now, St. Brendan Catholic School has been hosting a kindergarten Thanksgiving feast for students, usually held the Thursday before Thanksgiving. 

Each year, the kindergarteners learn how to wash potatoes, make cranberry sauce and cranberry bread, string beads and decorate cupcakes. The feast is about more than eating; it is a well rounded learning experience.

“Students are learning how to do these different tasks that help their fine motor skills,” says Principal Theresa Farnell.

Farnell is in her first year as principal while also teaching fifth grade at St. Brendans for 20 years now and has seen many of these celebrations.

“It’s super sweet and they get so excited; their eyes just light up,” says Farnell.

Preparations are done in the classroom the week leading up to the feast and it is all hands on deck. The students get to lend a helping hand in most of the processes.

“They discuss patterns, take measurements and help Mrs. (Michelle) Crawford make all of the food,” says Farnell.

The kids’ involvement makes it that much more special for them and their families.

“Mrs. Crawford does such a fantastic job,” says Farnell. “It is something that the students and their families look forward to every year.”

Families of the St. Brendan kindergarten class, which is about 14 kids, gather in Our Lady of Fatima parish hall for a feast complete with a class performance and hand-decorated turkey cupcake for every family member and student in attendance.

“I’m grateful for working in a community and at a school that supports its members and school through good times and hard times, “ adds Farnell.