Thanksgiving Tradition

Mr. Brown leads Pilgrims
in song.

     In the Edgewood community, Thanksgiving doesn't begin, until first grade enters the gym. For 24 years, first graders have been the centerpiece of this holiday assembly. They sing about family, gratitude, and the first Thanksgiving. And while the morning also includes songs of liberty and enlightenment from fourth and fifth graders and marks an end to our PTA sponsored food drive featuring a donation of 30 boxes of food to the Salvation Army this year, it’s the first graders who send heartwarming reminders of why we are grateful to call Edgewood our home. 

     Before the performance begins, they enter from the back of the gym dressed as lady and gentleman Pilgrims. They look surprisingly bold, given the attention about to be heaped on them. Late arriving parents, suddenly discover the perks of SRO spots, and snap pictures of backstage rituals. First grade teachers (Mrs. Cucolo, Mrs. Lamonaca, Mrs. Mangiamele) beam with words of encouragement, while making last moment adjustments to aprons and hats. 

     And when Ms. Forte begins playing a light piano melody of the classic Edgewood Thanksgiving assembly song, Hey Pilgrims, the first graders enter the gym, two by two. Parents rise and hold their phones and cameras steady for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Older students well up with nostalgia as they flash back to their time as Pilgrims. And upper grade teachers, watch the procession with an eye on the possibilities that are budding within each child and they imagine, "Someday a tree." This is how we begin Thanksgiving at Edgewood. 
   
 Listen to first graders singing the classic Hey Pilgrims here.
- Paul Tomizawa