Lincoln School celebrates 13th-annual ENL Thanksgiving Feast

Lincoln School’s 13th-annual ENL Thanksgiving Feast on Friday brought together students, educators and District leaders for an afternoon filled with gratitude, cultural pride and unity. 

The celebration traces back to longtime teacher Susan Lombardi, who taught at Lincoln for 35 years and served as the school’s ENL educator for about 20 of them. The dinner beautifully reflects what Thanksgiving means in an immigrant community, she said.

“The event is absolutely important because it’s all the ENL students who gather for this so-called American holiday. With immigrants who make up this nation, it’s important that they celebrate and are unified,” Ms. Lombardi said. “And we try to mix the food — not only the American traditional food, but also foods from other cultures.”

She said she founded the event in honor of her mother after she passed away 

“Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday. And she was an immigrant. She was from Italy and she enjoyed this holiday,” Ms. Lombardi said.

Principal Rebecca Jones welcomed the gathering by speaking movingly about the significance of the celebration, especially for students who are new to the United States.

“I understand the journey of someone who comes from another country and has to make your way here in a new land,” she said. “Many of our children might not even understand the communities they live in. They’re unfamiliar with this new area. But one thing they do understand is coming to the table, breaking bread, and giving thanks.”

She described the ENL students’ progress with pride.

“They are so thankful for all they’ve received since they got into this country,” she said. “They’re starting to make friends and learning the language. They’re getting familiar with their schoolmates, and it is a new beginning for them.”

She had a heartfelt message to the students.

“I want each and every one of you to know that you are greatly loved, you are greatly valued and you belong here. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” Ms. Jones said. “This country is a country of immigrants, and the principal standing before you — her parents came from another country. I am so grateful to be here, and I’m so thankful for all of their sacrifices.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Demario Strickland received a big round of applause from students as he marveled at how the event has grown. “I was looking at the little screen and to see that this is going 13 years strong is huge,” he said. “Raise your hand if you’re 13. That means this has been going on since you were born. That’s insane!”

Dr. Strickland asked students if they were ready for Thanksgiving, prompting cheers.

“I’m ready for some macaroni and cheese. Turkey — who’s ready for turkey? Who’s ready for stuffing? Cranberry sauce? Sweet potato pie? Pumpkin pie?” he said before reminding the group of the deeper meaning behind the holiday.

“Appreciate the people you are in class with. Appreciate your teachers,” he said.  “Appreciate your families. Be grateful for all you have, because guess what? People in this world would switch with us in a heartbeat to have what we are able to have.”

The students then performed for Dr. Strickland and the members of his administration and the Board of Education with songs and poems. Everyone then shared a lavish meal of turkey and all the trimmings.

What began years ago as one teacher’s tribute to her mother has become a cherished tradition that celebrates American customs and the cultural richness of Mount Vernon’s immigrant community.