Giving Thanks and Growing Together: Altoona Students Celebrate Friendsgiving

At Altoona Area High School, something special happens every year. It's called Friendsgiving. This event is not just about food. It's about learning, growing, and coming together. Students in the Life Skills program take the lead. They plan, shop, cook, and serve a full Thanksgiving-style meal. This year, they made chicken, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, and even homemade bread. They also made desserts like pumpkin rolls and brownies. All from scratch! The students start preparing two months before. They choose the menu, make shopping lists, and go to the store. They learn about food safety and how to store groceries. They also practice cooking every day in class. This event is not just for Life Skills students. Students from emotional support classes help too. Everyone works together. This shows that everyone has something to give. More than 100 people came to this year's Friendsgiving. This included school staff, board members, and administrators. The students were happy to see so many people enjoying the food they made. For some students, this event is more than just a meal. It's a chance to grow. They learn to be more independent. They also learn to work with others. One student said she changed a lot since joining the program. She is now doing well in school and at home. Teachers are proud of their students. They see them grow every year. One teacher said it's rewarding to see students leave the classroom and join the community. Another teacher said this event shows what it means to be a good citizen. Friendsgiving is a big deal at Altoona Area High School. It's a time to give thanks, to learn, and to grow together. It's a celebration of what these students can do.