Why Are You Grateful to Attend SHS?

As the autumn leaves gracefully descend and the smell of pumpkin spice latte lingers in the air, it is the perfect time to reflect on the things that make our hearts swell with gratitude. To capture the spirit of Thanksgiving, we took to the halls of Shrewsbury High School to interview fellow students about what they were thankful for.

The responses were as diverse as Thanksgiving dishes, ranging from the profound to the simple joys of life! One common theme emerged: gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion but a guiding force in shaping our student community!

Sophomore Ravena Arun expressed her gratitude for the supportive friends and teachers she found at SHS. “ The friends I made have always offered me immense help, and I am truly grateful for that!”, she shared. Ravena’s contagious sentiment echoes the importance of strong social connections throughout life’s challenges.

Freshman Rihanna Dash was also found saying how thankful she was for dance. “Dance has had a tremendous impact on my life”, she said.  Dancing helped her embrace her inner dancer and make amazing lifelong friends!

One junior conveyed appreciation for the support and resources they received from their teachers and counselors. “Junior year is stressful because our grades matter so much… I appreciate that there are so many resources at SHS for me to grow academically!”, they shared, emphasizing the profound impact educators can have on student’s lives. 

Another anonymous voice opened up about their thankfulness for their fellow peers. As a senior, they realized how important it is to have good friends, as they were found saying, “Most of the people I interact with are very polite and open-minded... I value the friendships I made in school”. 

Not only are the students thankful, but so are the teachers… for their students and colleagues! 

Mrs. Dancy, a math teacher, told us how thankful she is to be here because her “colleagues are wonderful and help me through difficult times. The students are kind and keep me on my toes every day!”. Gratitude can go both ways!

These voices, both students and teachers, conveyed a collective appreciation for the sense of unity and oneness that defines our school.
As we gather in gratitude this Thanksgiving, let’s reflect on these voices- from students navigating the challenges of high school, to teachers guiding and inspiring. Gratitude, in its various forms, serves as a powerful force that strengthens our bonds, uplifts our spirits, and fosters a positive school environment.

In the hustle and bustle of academic life, it's heartwarming to witness the genuine appreciation our peers hold for different aspects of their high school journey. As we celebrate the season of gratitude, let's continue to foster a culture that values and acknowledges the many reasons we must be thankful, individually and collectively.