A rainy morning on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, didn’t dampen the spirits inside the Myrna B. Sherman Gymnasium, where enthusiastic students from all divisions gathered for D-E’s annual Thanksgiving Assembly. Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger gave opening remarks with the overarching message that “This assembly is about gratitude.”
As such, Student Body President Kyle Lee ’25 took to the stage to highlight the reason for the season. “This is a time for us to pause and reflect on the things that really matter,” he said, adding that, for him, this included D-E’s Student Government, clubs, athletics, teachers, and students from preschoolers to seniors.
Next, students from all three divisions told us what they’re grateful for: “Lunch is always amazing!” said fifth grader Ronan Monoky ’32, who has been at D-E for six years. T.J. Rose ’29, who joined D-E in sixth grade, said he’s grateful for friends who made him feel welcome when he was the new kid in school. And junior Ella Mansager ’26 said, “I feel so lucky to go to a school where I can make connections with anyone.”
Words of gratitude followed from longtime faculty members Jennifer Koteles, who teaches second grade; Aldo Bautista, who teaches Spanish; and Eileen Cunningham Feikens, the Dean of College Counseling. In an especially moving statement, Ms. Koteles said, “Once you become my student, you will always have a special place in my heart.”
Sydney Adekanbi ’25, a senior leader of the HOPE club who participated in D-E’s Thanksgiving Drive, announced that $5,500 was collected for the Center for Food Action in addition to a busload of winter clothing for the Bergen Family Center. She then introduced a video highlighting representatives from these organizations who spoke on the importance of giving to families in need.
It’s a sentiment supported by her fellow lifelong learners Lauren Burke ‘32, Melinda Jang ’34, Jordan Neris ’34, Megan Rhee ’29, Caroline Levine ’29, and Kelly Chu ’25. Said Melinda, a third grader, “We are like superheroes that are helping other people.”
Additional words of gratitude for being a part of D-E were recorded in a fun compilation video featuring students around campus, filmed by Austin Kim ’26 with help from Marketing Club students.
Ms. Preeti eventually returned to the stage to express thanks for having been given the opportunity to lead the D-E community and then introduced our next Head of School, Dr. James Calleroz White (aka “Dr. C.W.”) “It warms my heart that I get to join this amazing community,” said Dr. C.W., who concluded his remarks by excitedly proclaiming, “I’m a Bulldog too, baby!”
Of course no D-E assembly would be complete without music—and outstanding performances from the Upper School Orchestra, pianist Steven Cui ’25, and Jazz Rock, playing a special rendition of “Love Train,” did not disappoint! Nor did a fantastic flash mob dance, organized by Dean of Student Life Debbie Rivera Murphy and choreographed by Madigan Kacmar ’26 and Dani Dennis ’28.
There’s no denying the holidays at D-E are off to a joyful start!
