Thanksgiving Traditions at HSAS

Melanie Gamarra, Mia Nazario Polanco & Eliana Psachie, Grade 9, Staff Writers

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Students at the High School of American Studies celebrate Thanksgiving through a variety of customs, foods, and activities.

    A few HSAS students eat traditional Latin American foods from their cultures with their families on Thanksgiving day, as they bond and share stories with one another. Josephine Espino (‘29) mentioned that she usually goes to her aunt’s house and eats “a bunch of moro, lasagna and…flan.” Some of these dishes are typical foods from her home country, the Dominican Republic, and she joked that “while eating, we also gossip.” 

    Meanwhile, Alejandro Tipiani (‘29), travels upstate with his family and eats “chicken or turkey, mashed potatoes, and candied sweet potatoes.” On some occasions, his “[M]om makes Peruvian rotisserie chicken.” For both Josephine and Alejandro, food is a way for their families to unite through dishes that remind them of their cultures.

    When asked if she has any Thanksgiving customs, Ms. Solomon, a music teacher at HSAS, stated: “There must always be a bowl of nuts and a variety of fruits. That’s for my grandmother’s legacy.” Taking the time to honor personal and unique traditions such as this can bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to the family, especially during Thanksgiving.

     A couple of HSAS students have also chosen to spend the holiday with friends, commonly known as a “friendsgiving.” Hazel Young (‘28) explains that she and Kahinee De (‘28) typically share “turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, and pie,” while Aisling Coleman (‘27) says she makes “really good sweet potato casserole” for both her and Josephine Levy (‘27) to eat. (The two hosted their second friendsgiving this year). 

    During Thanksgiving, it is typical to seek out a form of entertainment. In fact, some of our HSAS students are fellow sports fans! 

    Amanuel Morris (‘29) says he “watches Thanksgiving football,” while Josephine Levy “watches hockey (go New York Islanders!)” 

    While sports may introduce a lively environment to Thanksgiving, there are others who might seek a different means of entertainment. For instance, Veronica Antonio (‘29) says it is a family tradition to watch the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving each year.

     Students at HSAS have also done a bit of traveling, both far and wide. While Aisling joked that she only travels “from her bedroom to her kitchen,” Aayan Chowdhuery (‘26) mentioned how he “visit[s] family in London, usually.” Regardless of distance, Thanksgiving is a time to get together with family and friends to celebrate the unique traditions that make this holiday so special.

Drawing of a Turkey by an HSAS Student