As student council members greeted hungry guests arriving at Franklin Elementary School, the aroma of roasted turkey filled the bright hallway leading to the cafeteria. The annual Franklin Thanksgiving Feast was minutes from starting, and Franklin kitchen manager Mary Ann Walford was busy making last minute preparations for the 900 guests and students she was expecting to serve during the next few hours.  

“When former Principal Jean Martinez started this tradition in 2003, I remember we had maybe 400 people come that first Thanksgiving,” said Walford. “Most of the grown-ups would say ‘Oh my, turkey from a school cafeteria? I guess I’ll try it.’ And then they would tell me it was really good!”

The event, now in its 14th year, has students invite guests to come and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with them at the school. “The Feast is now a community tradition that has doubled in size over the years, and is only possible with the help of our Parent Teacher Organization and the volunteers that help with the planning, cooking, cleaning and serving,” said Franklin Principal John Melkonian.

This year’s menu included turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, cranberries, a dinner roll and a pumpkin cupcake. The meal was included in the Franklin student meal plan, while guests bought tickets to cover the cost for their extra food.

Students laughed as Principal Melkonian helped himself to turkey using an extendable fork. 

As the first wave of diners formed two lines to enter the cafeteria, the usual shuffle of grade-schoolers was replaced with one that included moms and dads, aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas.

Sharon and Paul Sucharski attended the dinner for the first time, joining their kindergartner grand-twins Caleb and Drew. “It’s fun to be here with the boys and to be part of this big school event,” said Sharon. “We’ve looked forward to this for some time!” With generous help from volunteers and staff, the event started with kindergartners and their guests at 10:30am and finished with 4th graders and their guests at 1:15pm.

The mood was happy, upbeat and energized. Seating was plentiful, and colorful centerpieces and wall decorations completed the festive feel of the event. Wearing a turkey hat, Principal Melkonian also kept the busy room entertained, helping himself to turkey from unsuspecting guests with his extendable fork. As a chance for its community to be thankful for all of the people that make a difference in their lives, the 2016 Franklin Elementary School Thanksgiving Feast lived up to its well-deserved reputation. 

Featured Image: Sharon and Paul Sucharski with grandson Caleb at the 14th Annual Franklin Thanksgiving Feast.

Article and images courtesy of Bill Youmans, write and photographer