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Collegiate Students Hear Words of Thanksgiving

11/22/2016

Before Collegiate School students departed for the Thanksgiving holiday, they heard from members of the school community who expressed words of gratitude at each division’s assembly.

At Monday’s Upper School assembly, senior Matthew Gelozin, a captain on the state champion varsity football team, told his 9th-12th Grade classmates how in the team’s first scrimmage, he suffered a season-ending knee injury. While acknowledging the physical and emotional pain the injury caused him, Matthew implored his fellow students to be thankful for the tough times in their lives because much can be learned from struggle and adversity.

“Without this injury, I would never have realized how supportive and amazing the people at this School are,” he said. “It was a schoolwide effort that made me feel whole again.”

Brent Miller, Director of Middle and Upper School Admission and a 1998 Cougar alum, then took the stage and shared how the teachers, coaches and advisors at Collegiate made him feel valued and loved when he was a student, and how they became like family. That proved true when, four years ago, Mr. Miller needed surgery for a medical condition. After his operation, he received voicemail messages from Middle School Head Charlie Blair and Upper School English teacher Weldon Bradshaw. Mr. Miller says he was so touched by their thoughtfulness that he still has those messages saved.

“Where else do you find a place with people like this?” Mr. Miller asked. “The wonderful relationships I have developed here and sustained last a lifetime. For that I am extremely grateful.”

The Middle School heard about what Thanksgiving means to John Dau, Collegiate’s Global-Scholar-in Residence. Mr. Dau told students what a wonderful tradition Thanksgiving is in the U.S., and encouraged students to understand that giving thanks without service loses its meaning.

“When you leave here, thank your mom and dad and your teachers,” he said, “but do what you’re supposed to be doing as responsible citizens.”

J.P. Watson, Assistant Head of School, spoke to JK-4th Gradestudents about thankfulness during their Lower School chapel. He said he was grateful for the love of his family and asked student to think about what they were thankful for. He urged students to hold their loved ones close.

“Think about as we move into this season of light, love and laughter the opportunities we have to experience moments with people,” he said. “Tell those you love just that.”

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