Aiken Students Come Together for Gratitude at Mead Hall’s “One Table” Event
On a chilly, breezy afternoon in Aiken, Mead Hall Episcopal School transformed its annual “One Table” event into a cozy indoor gathering filled with gratitude. Despite the windy weather and a touch of drizzle that tried to dampen the spirits, students from fourth to twelfth grades gathered on November 20, eager to share their thanks and connect with their peers.
Adjusting Plans for a Heartwarming Tradition
Usually celebrated outdoors, this year’s event had to adapt to Mother Nature’s whims. But as senior Caroline Wiedenman described, it was an opportunity for the young and the not-so-young to come together. “We do this instead of our Wednesday chapel, as a way to create a sense of community where we can all pray and share a meal,” she explained. And share they did, with sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers served up with a side of friendship and gratitude.
A Day for Reflection
The event kicked off with students from the upper grades leading a service that focused on the theme of gratitude. The halls buzzed with excitement as fourth-graders exchanged laughs and stories while deciding what they were thankful for. “There were a lot of mentions about family, friends, and teachers, and quite a few were thankful for the lunch we had today,” Caroline shared with a smile.
Bridging the Grades
For the young fourth-graders, the “One Table” event held a special significance. They had a sneak peek into their future, visiting the science classroom of teacher Claire Johnston. Fourth-grader Win Hartnett was particularly intrigued by the differences between his current classroom and the seventh-grade science room he was visiting. “It looks a lot different than our science room,” he remarked, reflecting on the excitement of moving up in the school.
Win also connected the day’s theme with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. “It’s like the Thanksgiving feasts… We get together and say thanks, and what we’re thankful for,” he noted. Win expressed his own gratitude for soccer, a sport that brings joy to many students on campus.
Community Spirit Shines Through
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the community spirit at Mead Hall shone brightly. The school’s campus, which encompasses kindergarten through twelfth grade, is divided between two locations. The younger students at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church’s campus and their older counterparts across the way at the former Aiken Preparatory School campus showcased a delightful mix of energy and anticipation for what lies ahead.
As Caroline put it, “We made it work. It wasn’t quite ‘one table,’ but we were still able to come together.” And that sense of community and connectedness rang true throughout the day’s activities. From discussions of gratitude to shared meals, the “One Table” event served as a reminder of the joys of coming together, no matter the circumstances.
A Bright Future Ahead
With the holiday season approaching, events like “One Table” remind everyone of the importance of gratitude, connection, and looking forward to future adventures. For the students at Mead Hall, the experience of sharing gratitude with their elders is just the beginning of what promises to be a fulfilling journey through their educational years.
As the day drew to a close, the warmth of conversation and laughter lingered in the air, proving that even the cloudiest of days can be brightened with a little kindness and appreciation. And who knows? Maybe next year, they’ll be celebrating with a true “one table” event under sunny skies once again!
