The Monday before Thanksgiving, Lower School students gathered in the gym for their annual Thanksgiving chapel to express what Principia’s founder, Mary Kimball Morgan, described as “genuine gratitude expressed in a forgetfulness of self that reaches out to bless others” (Education at The Principia, p. 40). The event, hosted by the student leadership team, began with readings prepared by students who read two sections from the Christian Science Thanksgiving Bible Lesson. After readings, the floor was opened to messages of gratitude from the students. 

Student ushers barely knew a moment of idleness as excited hands shot up all over the gym, awaiting their turn for the microphone. From the kindergarten class to the fifth graders, everyone had something to be grateful for. Many expressed gratitude for family and friends, others were thankful for their teachers and Lower School faculty, and still others gave earnest gratitude for the blessings they experienced at Principia every day. One older lower schooler said, “I’m grateful to be at this school that loves and supports me.” Another student followed, adding, “My class is so great!”  

“This was quite a leadership opportunity for the two fifth graders who led this Thanksgiving chapel,” said Lower School Principal Heather Tibbets. “They learned how to mark their books and deliver the readings with confidence. The service was so inspiring. It was such an uplifting way to kick off Thanksgiving week.”  

In honoring this dear tradition, our lower schoolers show that gratitude, no matter the size, has a direct impact, sparking the seed of inspiration in others. In this way, Principia continues to live Mrs. Morgan’s directive of reaching out and blessing others. Let’s follow the lead of our young Principians this holiday season, giving gratitude for—as one lower schooler joyfully shared at chapel—“everything!”