Mission & Academics Blog
Thanksgiving Assembly: Celebrating the Gifts of Freedom and Heritage
As Thanksgiving approaches, my family and I love to reflect and share what we are grateful for - I am sure many of you do the same. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to take in just how fortunate we all are. But in addition to the many blessings of our personal lives, I am also so very grateful for the Brookfield Academy community. I meet with parents, teachers, and students throughout every week. I observe friendships, projects, new initiatives, laughter, struggles, perseverance, joy, and so much more. Not to mention the beauty and comfort of our campus and the facilities we all share. No wonder one of my favorite BA traditions is our annual Thanksgiving assembly. For me, it stands as one of my most cherished traditions, weaving together threads of gratitude, community, and American heritage. As students, faculty, and families gather in shared reflection, we are reminded of the gifts that enrich our lives both within and beyond our school walls. We create this time for reflection with beautiful music from our choirs and band, inspiring recitations from students, and always concluding in prayer. I think I must have attended more than two dozen -- and I still look forward to the next one.
This assembly serves as more than just a seasonal celebration – it embodies our school's commitment to recognizing and honoring our blessings. From the dedicated teachers who guide our children's growth to the supportive families who partner in their education, our community finds strength in acknowledging together the countless gifts that shape our daily experience.
Central to our school's identity are the Five Stars, principles that guide our path forward. One of these Stars is Heritage, which holds a special significance during our Thanksgiving gathering. This Star reminds us of the privilege we share as Americans – the freedom to learn, worship, pursue our dreams, and build meaningful, constructive lives. Brookfield Academy’s Founders wisely recognized that understanding and appreciating this Heritage strengthens our community and prepares our students to become responsible, constructive, free people.
The freedom we celebrate isn't merely an abstract concept – it's lived daily in our classrooms, where students engage in open discussions, explore varied perspectives, and develop their unique talents. Our Thanksgiving assembly provides a moment to pause and reflect on how these freedoms, secured by generations before us, continue to shape our school’s Mission.
I want to invite you to be a part of this special assembly. As we gather this year, we're reminded that gratitude isn't just a nice feeling – it's an action that strengthens our community and enriches our shared experience. Through this cherished tradition, we teach our students that recognizing our blessings inspires us to be blessings to others. And that’s what will ultimately bring us all joy and peace. Happy Thanksgiving!
