For over 25 years, Dana Hall has participated in Thanksgiving Sharing with the Union United Methodist Church in Boston. Last week, advisor groups creatively decorated a cardboard box called a “Turkey Box,” which they filled with food they collected. The boxes were delivered to the church on Tuesday, November 22 following Dana’s annual Thanksgiving Convocation.

At Convocation, Head of School Caroline Erisman spoke about achieving happiness. Erisman told students, faculty, and staff that happiness does not come from wealth, a good education, youth, or a sunny day. “Being fully engaged in what we do and finding ways to make our lives more meaningful is where we find happiness,” Erisman said. Erisman also encouraged the crowd to increase their happiness over break by practicing random acts of kindness and counting their blessings.

Co-Heads of the Community Service Advisory Board (CSAB) S. Mehlman ’12 and M. Sanderson ’12 reminded the Dana community to be thankful for each other and Dana Hall during the holiday season. “Remember Dana Hall’s motto, Amor Caritas, which emphasizes the importance of love and caring through service to others,” Mehlman remarked.

Co-Presidents from each class then spoke to the crowd about what Thanksgiving means to them. Some reflected on what they are thankful for, while others read poems.

Tenth grade Class Co-President M. Chisholm ’14 spoke about being thankful for what others do for you, while sixth grade Class Co-President D. Holder ’18 shared a poem with the final line, “We wish you a Thanksgiving you’ll never forget, full of love and joy, your best one yet.”

Director of Choral Music David Coleman led the Gospel Choir in an uplifting song, and CSAB presented a representative from the United Union Methodist Church with the baskets and a check for $600 to provide turkeys for the families of the church.