Bush School students gathered on November 18 for a “Friendsgiving” to celebrate successes achieved, friendships formed, milestones crossed, and opportunities embraced during their tenure at the Bush School.
“The Friendsgiving event provided an opportunity for Bush School students of all races, religions, and creeds to come together as a family and give thanks for all we have,” said Matthew Pickett, one of the students who organized the potluck. “Our fellow Bushies come from all walks of life and come with Thanksgiving traditions of their own. Our Friendsgiving gave an opportunity for students to share traditions and foods from home and grow together because of it.”
Roughly fifty students attended, according to Pickett. Assistant Dean for Diversity and Student Affairs Matthew Upton provided the main meal. Students were encouraged to bring side dishes and desserts that reminded them of home. They stacked the tables erected in the Allen Building’s Recruiting and Admissions Lobby to overflowing with a combination of homemade and store-bought food. While most of the food represented dishes traditionally prepared in the United States for the Thanksgiving holiday, students hailed from across the nation and world, including India and Macedonia.
Pickett and classmate Anna McCullough came up with the idea for a Friendsgiving celebration and coordinated with Upton to make it reality. Members of the Bush School Student Government Association (SGA) Social and Traditions Committee also contributed to recruitment and organization. Upton oversaw preparing the room for the event and cleaning up afterward, displaying the kind of selfless service that permeates the Bush School from the very top of the administration.
“The Friendsgiving event provided an opportunity for Bush School students of all races, religions, and creeds to come together as a family and give thanks for all we have.”
Matthew Pickett, Bush School student
As students enjoyed each other’s fellowship over a shared meal, Pickett moved from table to table asking students what they were most thankful for this year. He recorded their responses and later compiled each one into the word map featured below.
By Micaela Burrow
