Thanksgiving brings loved ones together with diverse traditions: eating their golden turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, salivary stuffing, and much more. But, looking past the feast, Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate those in your life and share laughter and love. It’s also a time to look back and reflect on all the things we are thankful for, which can be our friends, family, or something as simple as getting up in the morning. However, a question that occurs yearly to many is what kind of traditions take place in the families of Berkley High that might differ from others.
To explore this question, I interviewed science teacher Mr. Skowronski, seniors Mimi Mlutkowski and Veah Green, and our beloved principal Mr. Meloche about their favorite dishes, interesting traditions they partake in with their relatives, and what they are thankful for.
At Green’s house, she and her family have an ongoing family tradition that takes place in the morning. Green and her family make pancakes on the griddle and play board games with one another before the big dinner! Transitioning over, Green reveals that her favorite dish during Thanksgiving dinner is extra cheesy mac n cheese and potatoes with gravy. Green states, “I love mashed potatoes with a good gravy; it ties up Thanksgiving. But for me, the mashed potatoes have to be seasoned. It’s a must for a successful dinner.” Wrapping up Green’s Thanksgiving day, Green gives us some things she is grateful for. “I’m thankful for my friends and family, and the ability to get an education unlike others. Those three things are very important to me, and help me succeed in life,” Green states. What a beautiful perception of life!
Transitioning to Mlutkowski’s household, she has a different way of celebrating Thanksgiving. Her family hosts Thanksgiving annually, and all of her relatives come over and bring a special dish besides the turkey because her mom is in charge of it. Mlutkowski says, “I honestly only eat the rolls, everything else grosses me out because I’m a picky eater.” Unfortunately, Mlutkowski is missing out on the mac n cheese, as Green would say! Despite her pickiness, Mlutkowski is thankful for the people surrounding her life which includes her family and friends. “I’m also thankful for my dog, Gus, I don’t know how I’d do life without him,” she says. Long story short, her Thanksgiving sounds like a Thanksgiving we all strive to have, keeping it calm and easy.
Both Mr. Meloche and Mr. Skowronski have interesting and diverse ways of celebrating their Thanksgiving.
“Because I am Polish, my family and I used to enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving, such as going to the parade or watching it on TV. However, due to my mother passing away, Thanksgiving has become a more chill celebration in our family. The spirit and love are still there, but they can be different,” Mr. Skowronski shares. Despite this saddening wave, he states his love for turkey smoked with applewood and creamy mashed potatoes. “They have to be creamy, and just right,” he says about the mashed potatoes. Something interesting he brings up is his love for potato pancakes! I’ve Never heard of it, but it sounds too good to not try. “If you never had potato pancakes, you’re not doing life right,” Mr. Skowronski says. Overall, he has a love for watching the Lions game; which he looks forward to after the big Thanksgiving dinner.
“I love stuffing in the turkey; it’s the best dish on Thanksgiving dinner, and no one can change my mind,” Mr. Meloche states. He and his family usually go to someone’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, primarily a good friend or family member. Mr. Meloche makes it clear, he loves spending time with his family and those that uplift his spirit. “I’m thankful for the good people in my life, meaning the people I rely on and unconditionally support me,” Mr. Meloche says. He feels inspired to be the best version of himself and give back the same love and support he has been shown, which shows the true tradition of thanksgiving.
Throughout my exploration of the Thanksgiving traditions in our Berkley High community, it’s been clear that Thanksgiving is more than just about the feast. It’s the celebration of memories, thankfulness, and reminders to cherish time with our loved ones during Thanksgiving dinner. From Green’s morning games to Mlutkowski’s love for her dog, and the remark’s heartfelt celebration that Mr. Skowronski and Mr. Melcohe celebrate with their families. Thanksgiving is a reminder to be thankful for the things around you, even if they are simple and “boring”. Those moments are worth a million.
