Niskayuna ENL students share gratitude and cultures through Thanksgiving celebrations

Learning a new language often comes with learning new traditions.

Niskayuna’s English as a New Language (ENL) students learned about the origin of the American holiday of Thanksgiving, while sharing some of their favorite dishes from their home cultures as well.

Faculty, staff and students at Niskayuna High School came together to celebrate thankfulness, inclusivity and each other. Many of the nearly 30 in attendance brought food offerings that ranged from classic American Thanksgiving foods like turkey, stuffing and various pies, to international items such as empanadas, griot and mooncake.

Students expressed gratitude on a wall in the classroom by writing what they are thankful for, which included their friends, family and the delicious foods offered at the high school’s festive celebration.

For Niskayuna High School student Faziha, this was her first time celebrating American Thanksgiving.

“I learned that there’s a lot that people can do when they get together,” said Faziha. “It’s like sharing happiness together through food.”

Faziha’s happiness radiated to those around her when she enjoyed the halal meal ENL teacher Ms. Lehmann prepared for her and other students.

Thant, another ENL student at the high school, also enjoyed the celebration’s global menu.

“My favorite food was watergate salad,” said Thant. “That was pretty good.”

The excitement didn’t stop there. NHS student Marc said he couldn’t pick a favorite part of the day—he loved everything! To contribute to the unique celebration, he proudly brought griot, a traditional dish from his home country of Haiti.

Of the many foods prepared by students from their home cultures, the empanadas brought in by two classmates were the focal point of the day for many students, including Nevil.

Nevil and classmate Wanru both previously celebrated Thanksgiving and enjoyed spending time with friends during the school day celebration.

“Thanksgiving is the day that you come together with your friends or family and that’s cool,” said Nevil.