PCES students give thanks

GUILFORD — A week before the holiday, students at Piscataquis Community Elementary School enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal and were able to personally thank their teachers and school staff members.

“Welcome to our Thanksgiving dinner,” Principal Anita Wright said on Nov. 20 told the kindergarteners — who were soon joined by the first-graders for the first of the day’s four lunch sessions — as the youngsters came into the cafeteria. “I want you to think of what you’re thankful for and these ladies up here made your dinner, and make you breakfast and lunch every day,” Wright added, with food service staff sitting at a Thanksgiving table set up on the stage.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
LUNCH WITH THE SHERIFF — Piscataquis Sheriff Bob Young chats with PCES kindergarteners during lunch on Nov. 20 as all students at the Guilford school enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal and were able to share with teachers and staff what they are thankful for.

Students enjoyed turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, peas, rolls and dessert as they ate at tables decorated with Thanksgiving tablecloths and centerpieces. They also got to sit with four members of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Bob Young, Chief Deputy Todd Lyford, Lt. and PCES D.A.R.E. Officer Jamie Kane and Deputy Kyle Wilson, as the officers went around to the various tables to chat with the students.

“I love the food” and “I’m thankful for the food” were among the comments students made to the food service staff as Wright walked around the cafeteria with microphone in hand to the pupils with raised hands who wanted to share what they thought of. The students also were able to go up on stage and present the staff members each with a flower.

The teachers then had a round of thanks from their students. “I’m thankful for Ms. Mann for helping us learn,” “I’m thankful for Mrs. Kelley for taking care of me all year long,” “I’m thankful for recess,” “Mrs. Pulkkinen is a great teacher,” and “I’m thankful for all teachers” were among the comments made the teachers were also given flowers.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
THANKS FROM THE STUDENTS — Piscataquis Community Elementary School students present thank you flowers to the food service staff prior to enjoying a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 20.