ABC Scholars Host Thanksgiving Celebration

Thanksgiving came early at the Andover ABC house this year when local ABC scholars hosted ABC students from surrounding area programs at the First Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, held at the Log Cabin at Phillips Academy this past Sunday.  Over twenty ABC scholars from the Masconomet (Topsfield), Winchester, Wellesley and Andover programs gathered to celebrate the season and make connections through food and fun.  Andover supplied the turkey and stuffing and the other programs brought desserts, beverages and traditional side dishes. The students spent time getting to know each other with games before sitting down to the feast. After dinner, local storyteller and drumming circle leader Jane Gossard lead the students in a drumming circle.  Finally, it was on to desserts before the students reluctantly headed back to their respective programs to begin homework.
"It was a lot of fun," said Felicia Reyes, junior at Andover ABC.  The other ABC scholars agreed.
The idea for a celebration came from current Resident Director Audra Reilly after she attended a local A Better Chance Community school conference over the summer. There, fellow RDs talked about the benefits of bringing their students together. Last year, the Winchester program invited our Andover scholars to go bowling.  "All of these opportunities allow our students to connect with others and it becomes more comfortable for them each time they get together," stated Mary Pritchard, president, Andover ABC. The scholars head home to their own homes and family Thanksgiving celebrations for the weekend.