There were hellos and hugs all around during the Annual Thanksgiving Assembly on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 25, where students and faculty/staff from each division gathered in the Myrna B. Sherman Gym to express their gratitude in a multitude of ways. The event was bookended by a cross-divisional D-E tradition in the making—the students vs. teachers Turkey Bowl flag football games on Leggett Field.

Head of School Dr. James Calleroz White (Dr. CW) opened the assembly by fondly recalling that it was during last year’s event when he was able to greet the greater school community for the first time.

Dr. CW then introduced Student Body President Max Koppelman ’26 and thanked him for his help “understanding this amazing community… and for sharing the hopes and dreams of the school” from the student perspective. 

Max echoed his gratitude for Dr. CW’s leadership and recounted an experience he recently had collaborating with a fourth-grade class on representative government. Max said he was in awe of how “empathetic and curious” the students were about the issues they discussed and looked forward to seeing them continue to be actively engaged around campus.

With remarks that were both humorous and heartfelt, students from the Lower School (LS), Middle School (MS), and Upper School (US) also reflected on what they were grateful for, including their parents and teachers who’ve made a lasting impact. Faculty/staff members also stood up to convey their warm thanks, such as MS Science Teacher Ms. Hyo Kim, who said, “D-E is like my extended family.”

“I see the incredible responsibility that we all collectively have… the capacity to make this world better.”

Student leaders who participated in the Thanksgiving Food and Coat Drive, including members of the US CODES and HOPE clubs, the MS Thanksgiving committee, and Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD), then shared how they raised more than $9,000 for the Center for Food Action and Bergen Family Center. “I felt like I was really helping the world,” said third-grader Shiyona S. ’35.

There was also a well-received year-so-far video showcasing the many faces of D-E set against the viral song “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Live musical highlights included a rendition of Soon Hee Newbold’s “American Landscape” by the All-School Orchestra; an awe-inspiring Harp performance by second-grader Ellie C. ’36; and Jazz Rock’s performance of Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” featuring the D-E Dance Club.

Adam Slee, Dean of the Performing Arts, also took the stage to share his thoughts on community and exclaim that D-E is “one of the kindest schools I’ve ever been a part of.”

Dr. CW closed with similar sentiments, expressing, “I see the incredible talent… and incredible responsibility that we all collectively have… the capacity to make this world better.” He added that “Gratitude is the word of the day… and I thank you for showing up every day.” He also recited a poem by Rebecca Puig, which includes the message to “Give thanks for all your blessings.”

That afternoon, amid a drizzle of rain, the Class of 2026 claimed victory over faculty/staff during the seniors vs. teachers Turkey Bowl, during which members of the Parents’ Association handed out hot cider and cider donuts to spectators. However, teachers scored the W against MS students the day prior during the inaugural Turkey Bowl Jr. game. 

It was a wonderful start to the holiday season!