School Celebrates Thanksgiving With Potluck Lunch

By KASEY SCIALABBA

The Progress

The Mesquite Christian Academy celebrated Thanksgiving with a potluck lunch on Friday, Nov. 19. About 50 people attended the event including Academy students, teachers, staff members, volunteers, families, friends, and even a yorkie.

Attendees savored the sense of togetherness at the luncheon event. “I really enjoyed the quality time with my friends and family,” said Mesquite Christian Academy student Rachel Bird. “And the food was delicious.”

The event started off with a social gathering in the main room. Mesquite Christian Academy principal and teacher Ron Bird officially opened the gathering with a thoughtful prayer. Then the people formed a line to receive the food.

The meal included turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a green bean casserole. Desserts included pistachio fluff, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and a variety of pies and cakes.
“My favorite was the pumpkin pie,” said Physical Education teacher Ben Keller.

“Other than the mashed potatoes, I’d say that the company was the best part,” said student Alyssa Bird.

Diners had a choice of sitting in three different locations: the gathering room, the lunch room, or the main room. Tables were decorated in pumpkin table cloths while napkins were neatly folded into fancy carriers for the utensils.

The building was filled with laughter and chatter as the people seemed to enjoy each other’s company.
“My favorite part about this event was being able to watch everyone converse with each other,” said Principal Ron Bird. “It was very nice fellowship.”

While the children enjoyed some dessert, the parents enjoyed some quality time getting to know others in the school community. After the meal, families headed outside to the playground to play some games including 4-square, soccer, and other lively activities.

“Everything went really well,” said Ray Floerke, maintenance worker at Mesquite Christian Academy. “It was awesome. It had a great turnout and the food was sensational.”

The meal was provided through the generosity of community members. Main course itsm of turkey and mashed potatoes were provided by Steve and Connie McDowell, close friends of Mesquite Christian Academy and people of River Valley Bible Church.