This year's Thanksgiving Assembly followed-through on Dwight-Englewood School tradition, providing an entertaining, engaging program featuring music performances, videos, touching personal reflections, a symbolic gift, and of course, the beloved Lower School "Turkey Dance". 

Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett kicked-off the program by reminding everyone of the D-E opening assembly in September and the words from Zach Hodges '11, who spoke to "making every second count."   Quoting periodically during the program from Cicero, John F. Kennedy, Thorton Wilder, and even Johnny Carson and Erma Bombeck, Dr. De Jarnett underscored the importance of appreciating all of life's moments, particularly those shared with family and friends. 

The program was accented with a series of vivid powerpoint presentations and lively instrumental works performed by the Middle School Strings, the Upper School Stage Band, and the Lower School Choir.  Remarks were also provided by various individuals, including Dan Reiff '15, who spoke about the history of the Thanksgiving, and Alex de los Reyes '13, who talked about her family's own Thanksgiving 'traditions'.  Middle School Performing Arts faculty member Carla Moriarty reflected on the idea of re-instituting her family's holiday in her own home, and Math faculty member Russell Goodrich spoke about appreciating nature's gifts. 

A highlight of the Assembly was undeniably the Turkey Dance, performed this year by Lower School "King" Andrew Kang '20, "Queen" Alexandra Tarsinov '18 and a hiphopping, moonwalking "Turkey" Eller Bart '20.  As "Bert" the Turkey who dances for the royal pair in order to spare his life, Bart did a masterful job, performing to a standing ovation.  The performance was preceded by a humorous video vignette featuring students who had similarly performed the roles of King, Queen, and Turkey, and who are all now in the Middle and Upper School. grades.

As is also D-E tradition, students from all three divisions presented checks and a symbolic bag of food to the Center for Food Action, represented by Scott Reddin.  Reddin spoke to the needs of people within Bergen County alone, and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Center for Dwight-Englewood School's outstanding 20+ years of commited giving of food and monetary support, which this year totalled approximately $1500.

Expressing his thanks to the talented students, faculty and staff who helped to produce the memorable program, Dr. De Jarnett concluded the Assembly by expressing his wishes to all for a safe, and wonderful holiday.  Happy Thanksgiving!