By Khloe Morris
One day, once a year.
We gather around the table and it’s time to talk about what we are grateful for as we enjoy a five-day break off school.
“Thanksgiving is a time to step back and spend time with family and eat good food. I think it’s just a time to be still, just a little quieter,” high school office secretary Kristi Yunker said.
Yunker said she is thankful for her kids. She has two children, one high schooler Kaitlynn Burns along with a fifth grader Addison Burns.
“I think I’m really blessed to have one of my grandmas still alive, and I really do enjoy Thanksgiving with my grandma,” Yunker said.
Yunker says one of her favorite memories with her grandmother is a running joke that has carried on ever since Yunker served in the military many years ago. The joke is that her grandmother’s breath smells like dog poo.
Similar to Yunker, freshman Josiah Taylor’s family plays a big role in his life.
“I don’t look at football as a ‘game,’ I look at it as therapy for what I’m going through.” Taylor said. “I have to thank my mom for everything, though.”
Taylor is a freshman who has been playing football for seven years.
“Football is my way to cope with my feelings and have fun with my friends,” he said.
Football is mental and physical. It takes a lot to step out on the field and play with full confidence.
“It’s just something you have to soak in,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s mom is there to support him and it’s not hard to find her in the stands at basketball and football games.
“Me and Phat (Taylor’s little brother) didn’t come from a lot, and our mom has always been with us every step of the way,” Taylor said. “She’s never had us on the streets even though where we come from.”
Like Taylor sophomore Courtney Dulworth is also very thankful for her mom.
“Even if you get a penny from someone, be grateful because that could be the only money they could have had,” Dulworth said.
2025 has given her many lessons and she truly thinks about what she’s really thankful for this Thanksgiving.
“I’m really thankful for my mom. She will absolutely do anything for me even if she’s really sick,” Dulworth said. “She has the biggest heart and will help anyone who needs it.”
Dulworth said everyone should be “grateful for everything because some people don’t have a lot in life. I’m thankful for my family and just to know everyone loves me.”
Thanksgiving is a time heads turn and people start to understand what this year brought them.
“It made me realize that people love me and everything will be okay,” Dulworth said.
Sophomore Kyra Murry also has much to be thankful for this winter.
“I’m thankful for the volleyball players, this school season and how they helped me just go through such a hard time of playing and conditioning and just hating my life and making me feel like I’m such a good volleyball player,” Murry said.
Murry has been playing volleyball for six years and this winter decided to give diving a try along with volleyball in the fall.
“I’m really thankful for my teammates for all supporting me in diving and welcoming me to the team,” she said.
Along with sports Murry’s family plays a big role in her life
“My family doesn’t get a lot of time together because everyone’s working or doing extra,” she said. “Thanksgiving is the only time we get to spend time together.”
Murry’s grandmother, Nora McHenry, is one of her biggest supporters. She shows up to her games, gives her the best advice, and always hypes her up.
“She’s my partner in crime,” Murry said. “When I’m in trouble with my mom, she’s always there for me.”
