Hollis Elementary Students Give Thanks, Share Patriotism at Annual Feast

Hollis Elementary School students joined their teachers, staff, firefighters and town officials on Thursday for a Thanksgiving feast.

Parents volunteered to serve a Thanksgiving lunch while the students, special guests and teachers ate. Afterward, three students – selected by the American Legion for their patriotic essays – read their work, and then second graders sang about why they are thankful.

Hollis swept the fourth grade legion category about what the American flag means. Students Neil Murphy, Owen Letteney and Liam Joyce read their essays aloud, speaking of special days when the flags are flown to show support for troops, the countless places where American flags are shown every day – sports stadiums, fire and police stations, schools – and how the flag inspires them.

"The flag makes me feel proud and happy," Letteney said.

Firefighter John Froio introduced his colleagues to the students and cafeteria staff Barbara Butterfield, Arlene McCartney, Jeannie McGrath and Karen Realini were also honored for their help in putting on the Thanksgiving feast every year.