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Duchesne is ThankFall

By Julia Harfenist, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, School Buzz Reporter | November 24, 2022

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Student Council Members handing out ginger snap cookies during the beginning of ThankFall. From left to right: Victoria Carroll ’24, Alexandra Schoener ’23, Brynn Bond ’23, and Hannah Gilmour ’23. (Photo: Vivi Linbeck)

On November 16th, Duchesne’s Upper School Student Council hosted its annual ThankFall event where the students and faculty come to the Upper School Office Hallway for tasty treats and community time.

Preparation for this event began weeks in advance. Student Government communicated with Chef Mike Kenny, Duchesne’s Senior Chef Manager, to ensure that the hot water dispensers would be available and planned who was going to drive to the grocery store to get all the food. Once the decorations were hung, and the tables were organized, Brynn Bond, the Upper School President, sent out a message on Upper School Students’ Microsoft Teams encouraging all to make their way down the Upper School Office Hallway for ThankFall.

Duchesne students standing in line for warm drinks or cookies. (Photo: Brynn Bond)

Ginger snap cookies were presented, along with hot apple cider and hot chocolate. With upbeat music in the background and a long line of customers, Student Council members alternated passing out cookies and making drinks for the student body and teachers. The Duchesne students were very enthusiastic and appreciative of the warm drinks especially because of the recent cold front that descended on Houston.

Upper School Secretary, Hannah Gilmour, shared her experience of ThankFall, “I loved getting to see everyone from all the grades come by to share in this little Duchesne tradition.”

Faculty members also trickled into the hallway to partake in the special treat. Student Government had prepared laminated flower bookmarks which said, “Thank you Teachers” as a surprise gift to teachers who came by the ThankFall tables. Most teachers at Duchesne share the book they are currently reading by posting the book cover on the walls in front of their classrooms. Because of this, many deeply appreciated the bookmark gift.

9th grade student council members handing out ginger snap cookies towards the end of ThankFall. From left to right: Grace Livermore, Domenica Sepa, and Audrey Hinton. (Photo: Julia Harfenist)

In addition, students in their advisories played Thanksgiving themed games and expressed what they were thankful for. Specifically, Mrs. Mikel Jones’ advisory made giant thankful cards for their teachers of their choosing. After, Mrs. Jones delivered them to each teacher’s specific box in their faculty room for a heartwarming surprise.

Duchesne’s ThankFall event provided the community a little excitement during a hectic time before the break and helped fill the week before Thanksgiving with positive energy, gratitude, and love.