Author: Annabelle Whitaker

It’s the holiday season once again, and as a result, Providence Academy Upper Schoolers put on their annual House Thanksgiving Feast. PA likes to focus on traditions that go back to our roots, and Thanksgiving is a holiday that’s celebrated by our ancestors. Even though most celebrate at home, the tradition is carried on at school as well, and coming together with different groups of people provides a way for students to bond.  

The House Thanksgiving Feast, a tradition put on by junior and senior House leaders, creates the perfect opportunity to socialize with new friends and to add something special to the week before students celebrate with their own families. During the House feast, each House is given the time to bond with members of their brother or sister house, and indulge in a variety of food. Some students bring pie, some bring candy, and there may even be a turkey! 

“The Thanksgiving Feast is all about getting together with our sister houses. This year we had some great food and great conversations,” reflected house leader Louis Wehmann, ‘24.  

Opening the door to a new group lets students chat with people whom they may not have met before. The mix of boys’ and girls’ houses added buzz to the hour. 

“This is my first Feast here and I’m a big fan, because there’s good food and good entertainment,” expressed Elizabeth Hughes, ‘26. 

This tradition is always a hit with the students and teachers. The teachers love to see the students interact and work together to provide a variety of foods. 

“When we do activities with the boys’ houses it’s so much fun for the kids because many of them are friends with each other. It’s nice to see how easily everyone gets along.”

“It was so fun that everyone wanted to hang out with everyone. A bunch of kids brought stuff, so we had a lot of options,” mentioned house leader Bree Ongoro, ‘23.

The House Thanksgiving Feast is a fan favorite among students and faculty alike. Everyone loves an excuse to eat food and have fun with new people!

On Wednesday, September 21, Providence Academy Upper School students hosted the annual Club Fair, which allows students to either generate their own clubs or become a part of an existing one. Some clubs let students learn about different careers, foods, and cultures, while others allow students to perform acts of service or collect donations.

Small groups of students created and formed clubs based on their interests and passions. Gracie Griep, ‘24, and Katelyn Clements, ‘24, lead a club they created called, FOAM, which stands for “Future of American Medicine.” They partnered with the Medical Club, saying, “You can learn about experience in Medical Club, but in FOAM, you learn through more of a hands-on approach to medicine.” Many clubs have connected with other clubs that have the same focus. By collaborating with other clubs, the students can form even bigger associations. 

Tim Horinek, ‘24, head of the Robotics Club, appreciates “the diversity of the clubs and how anyone and everyone can join what they want.” With the wide variety of clubs ranging from Letters of Love to Ski and Snowboard Club, almost every student finds something they want to take part in.

PA Activities Coordinator, Ms. Morgan Emmans, loves putting together all of the clubs and coming up with great ideas with the students. “My favorite part of the school year is putting together clubs and letting students sign up for things they are interested in,” Emmans reflected. The extra effort Emmans puts into helping students form and manage clubs takes extracurricular activities to the next level.

The clubs Providence offers are a great way to meet new people, express yourself, and explore interests. Forming clubs or even simply signing up for one that peaks one’s interest is an exciting way to collaborate with both peers and teachers. With the variety of activities, the Upper School helps students find ways to get involved in their community.