A school usually does not smell like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the side dishes. On Thursday, November 17, the smell of a delightful traditional Thanksgiving meal wafted through the front door and the hallways of Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS). The Harvest Feast was in full swing at lunchtime at the school.

The Panther Parents PTA organized the event. PTA President Jennie McLaughlin said, “The Panther Parents PTA was so excited to help bring Harvest Feast back to NMSHS after taking a few years off due to Covid. It was such a joy seeing all of the students, staff, and a few honored community guests sit down and enjoy a meal together in a thankful setting.”

This truly was a feast. McLaughlin explained, “Between donations from Eldora and our school community through our Fall Fundraiser, the PTA were able to purchase over 250 pounds of turkey and stuffing for the feast.”

Everyone ate well. Plates were piled high. Students talked about how excellent the food was. Some said it was the best turkey they had ever had. Several students went back through the line for second and even third helpings. During the middle school lunch when the desserts came out the excitement reached a whole new level. I am not sure if our middle school students have been dessert deprived or the desserts were so delicious. It was probably the latter.

McLaughlin would like to acknowledge the many parent volunteers who made this event a success. That includes the families who donated food for the potluck. She also said, “A special thank you goes to B&F who donated turkeys, Busey Brews who smoked and carved all of them, and BVSD who provided all the mashed potatoes and gravy. Thank you to Jennie Hammers and Nicole Frank who ran the kitchen to ensure that all the meals were hot and ready to go. Thank you to Linda Kilanoski and Amy DeBenedictis who created an incredible dessert presentation!”

The school lunchroom was decorated by students for the event and everyone was granted an extra long lunch period to enjoy the Harvest Feast. McLaughlin said that the extra food was given to families in need.

The Harvest Feast has a long tradition at NMSHS. The students, staff, and community have been enjoying this event for many years. Covid stopped it briefly but did not keep it down for long thanks to some very dedicated and generous people.