As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approach, the Upper School is filled with chatter about not only the upcoming days off school, but also gratitude. From supportive and caring coaches and teachers to friends you can always count on, both faculty and students are reflecting on who they are thankful for within the Sidwell community.
For many Sidwell students, gratitude within the community stems from the individuals who make each day at school a little better. A lot of the time, this can mean a sibling or a friend. Senior Luca Kountoupes said her sister, sophomore Camille Kountoupes, is someone she is grateful for “because she is always there for [her].”
Sophomores Malena Lopez Murphy and Cami Green both shared their gratitude toward their friends.
“I am thankful for my friends because they always support me and lift me up and remind me that school grades don’t define me as a person,” Murphy said.
Many students mentioned the role teachers can play in brightening their day at school. Sophomore Noor Sidhu said a teacher she is thankful for is Senior IT Support Specialist James Juice.
“He helps me with my computer when it’s broken. He has good energy and always gives me mints whenever I’m down,” she said. “I know I can go to his office and rant to him about the most random things while he fixes my broken computer.”
Sophomores Camille Kountoupes and Ajuni Sidhu both mentioned their gratitude toward Upper School Ceramics teacher Caroline Battle and how she brightens their day.
“I am grateful for Ms. Battle because Ceramics always makes my day better and she has such a happy and welcoming environment, and she also is always smiling and making everyone happier,” Sidhu said.
Similarly, Camille Kountoupes said she is grateful for Ms. Battle because “she is so patient and accommodating and supportive and she’s always in a good mood and makes the class a really enjoyable environment.”
Along with teachers, Sidwell coaches can also make a positive impact on a student’s day. Coaches can serve as another source of support for students within the community. Freshman Abigail Orgad said she is very thankful for “[her] coaches, like my field hockey and lacrosse coaches because they are always so motivating and they cheer me on during my games and practice.”
“I’m thankful for my coaches like my lacrosse coach, Coach Aubrey, because she is always there to encourage me,” junior Naima Noel-Jeune added.
Upper schoolers also have immense gratitude for the daily prepared lunches. “I am thankful for the people who prepare lunch because they do such a great job,” junior Lucy Labrou said.
Junior Bianca Minton added that she was thankful for “the people who provide the snacks each day because it’s great to have before lunch.”
Beyond the students, Sidwell faculty have their own members of the community who they are thankful for.
“I’m grateful to Ms. Matthews, who I have the privilege of working, strategizing and laughing with every day,” Upper School Principal Robbie Gross said.
Upper School English teacher Manny Jaquez also mentioned his gratitude toward his colleagues: “I am thankful for five school years of collegiality and friendship with Dr. Copeland, Mr. Loo and Señor Shrestha in MS.”
Gratitude is always important, not just during Thanksgiving. Showing gratitude towards your teacher and classmates can be done any time of the year. Still, with the holiday season just around the corner, the Sidwell community is reminded to acknowledge their gratitude for one another.
