The first Thanksgiving for newcomers

Photo: Erin Albanese/SNN

Meadowlawn Elementary school in Kentwood, Michigan has a beautiful tradition, reports Erin Albanese of School News Network. Fifth-graders who came to the U.S. as immigrants serve a first Thanksgiving meal to newly arrived students. School staffers prepare the food.

“I hope they enjoy it and have fun like I did when I used to be a new student,” said fifth-grader Shekinah Manadanda, who comes from Congo. “I want to meet new students and help them find what food for Thanksgiving that they like.”

“People can talk about how grateful they are for today, and have a feast, whether they do or don’t celebrate Thanksgiving,” said fifth-grader Thang Khai, who comes from Myanmar.

Fifth-grader Yerrlin Motos-Lopez, from the Dominican Republic, said he was glad to have the chance to serve. “I hope they really enjoy the food. This is a special day that we hope they can enjoy and they can be thankful for everything.”