Teens share their thanks
This column continues a 20-year-old tradition: I ask young people to share what they’re grateful for each Thanksgiving. It is humbling to know at least two generations of teens were part of these columns! I find this year’s comments especially thoughtful. To the young people in our community – our annual Thanksgiving Feast is this Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Common Ground Teen Center (92 N. Main Street in Washington). We will have turkey and ALL the fixings (one of our teens specifically asked for “cranberry sauce in the shape of a can!”). All teens as well as alumni from the last five years are invited. I love these teens, and I am grateful for them!
Mason Hankins, 13: I’m thankful for family, friends, food, water, music, the Teen Center and education.
Ryan Hester, 16: I am thankful for machining.
Adelle Hollowood, 16: This year, I’m most thankful for the experiences I’ve gone through and the lessons I learned from them. I’m thankful I can look back on who I was a year ago and see how far I’ve come.
Logan Hollowood, 17: I am most thankful for the opportunity to be in a relationship for the first time.
Da’Shya Jackson, 13: This year I am thankful for the Teen Center, God, my family, my friends, the Teen Center staff, and most importantly, Dr. Mary Jo.
Marshall Jones, 13: I’m thankful for Mary Jo for welcoming me here and for being kind and respectful.
Martell Jones, 15: I’m thankful for Landan, family, and games.
Kasundre Jordan, 14: I’m thankful for my family, games, friends, and me being at the Teen Center.
Kaiden Mowery, 17: I am thankful for the sound of relief when I sit next to a table filled with people I love most dearly. They make my whole day. And when we gather around the table, it’s like everything in my life that troubles me fades into the background.
Ele Sickman, 16: I am most thankful this year for my family and my friends because I wouldn’t be here without them and they help me a lot. Also, the Teen Center because Landan and Mary Jo mean a lot to me and my friends go to the Teen Center.
Irre Sickman, 17: I am thankful for my friends, family, being able to have heat, clothes on my back, and food in my house.
Myla Young, 13: I’m thankful for Landan and Mary Jo because they are amazing. I’m thankful for the Teen Center because it is my favorite place to hang out. Finally, I am grateful for my family and friends.
Haidyn Wade, 14: I’m thankful for my siblings (my brothers Carter and Domenick, my sisters Nora and Luna) and my parents, God, and my whole family.
Car’Lyiah Walden, 18: I’m thankful for my boyfriend. He’s given me the best four years I’ve ever had. Through thick and thin, he’s helped me stay sane in this very confusing world with his love and devotion.
Egypt Williams, 12: I’m thankful for being on earth.
Cece Wright, 13: I’m thankful for Landan because he helps us in lots of ways.
Skylynn Wright, 14: I’m most thankful for the Teen Center because it lets my mom get a break.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.