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Happy Thanksgiving! What’s DMHS Most Thankful For This Year?

A Simple, Wholesome Interview with Doherty Memorial High School Students, Teachers, & Staff Members!

Katz Paniagua, Staff Writer • November 19, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

Do you ever wonder how waking up on Thanksgiving morning, surrounded by loved ones and food, can remind us of life’s simplest blessings? What about the way a new school building can make students feel like they’re stepping into a whole new world each morning? And how might a reminder to cherish those close to us inspire one to reflect on the people who matter most in our own lives?

At Doherty Memorial High School, gratitude is the heartbeat of our community. Whether it’s for family, friends, health, music, or the improvements that have reshaped our daily lives, each response reflects the unique spirit of DMHS. Thanksgiving reminds us to pause, appreciate, and connect — and this collection of responses proves that even the simplest words of gratitude can strengthen bonds across our large school. From students to teachers to staff members, the Doherty community shows that thankfulness isn’t just celebrated once a year — it’s carried with us every single day at school. To see exactly what our Doherty community is thankful for this Thanksgiving season, stick around and read further…

What Are You Grateful For This Thanksgiving?

**Scroll page to view all responses.

“I am grateful for waking up in the morning and God allowing me to continue to try to make a change in the world.” — Lonnea Miller (Sophomore)

“My family.” — (Junior)

“For this Thanksgiving I am grateful for everything in my life. Even though not everything is perfect the people in it make it better. I’m very grateful for my family and friends for always being there for me. I’m also very grateful for my teachers and making those boring classes more fun.” — Samuela Ametaj (Sophomore)

“My Wife, My Friends & Family, My Students and of course My Powerlifters!” — Mr. Bradley Dustin (Teacher)

“I’m grateful for my family and friends.” — (Teacher)

“I am grateful for the ability to listen to music and not deaf. Having music in life is most likely the only reason why I am alive right now. It helped me pursue so many things and it’s amazing how music can motivate you to do things.” — Aliel Claudio (Sophomore, Staff Writer for the Highlander’s Herald, and Cigarettes in the Grave band member)

“My friends.” — (Sophomore)

“I am grateful for my health and for my loving. supportive family. I am most grateful for my daughter. Violet.” — Mrs. Naço (Teacher)

“I am grateful for my family’s time on preparing thanksgiving for me.” — Brayden Nguyen (Sophomore)

“This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for friends and family, but I’m also thankful for being blessed with more life and having the opportunities to experience so much more.” — (Sophomore)

“My family, my health, being a teacher at this amazing school!” — Mr. James (Teacher)

“I am grateful for my family, friends, health, and everything else in my life that makes me happy.” — (Sophomore)

“I’m grateful for a healthy body and good education.” — Isabel Tabales (Sophomore)

“My family and I rented for over ten years after moving here from Texas. I started wanting to own and not rent and so I prayed. I prayed for one year asking God for very specific things like a house on flat land, a fireplace, enough space for my sons and daughter, a house near my school, a large backyard, things like that. A year later, my family and I bought a house with all of those things. I am grateful for God and his grace and our new home. I am grateful for my loving family in Texas. I am grateful for my sons who take care of me and my daughter who is my right hand in everything. I am grateful for my dog Lou who forces me to walk every day. I am grateful for my health. I am grateful for my wonderful school and my students who are from all over the world. I am extremely grateful for my colleagues in the world languages department who I call my friends now. “ – Araceli Esqueda (Teacher)

“I am grateful for family and my sister and I hope she stays safe.” — (Sophomore)

“I am grateful for another year of life and being able to wake up every morning. The blessings God gives me and my mom provides for me are more than I need and I am super thankful.” — (Sophomore)

“My phone.” — (Sophomore)

“I am thankful that my family is in good health.” — Inkridden Emma (Freshman, Staff Writer for the Highlander’s Herald)

“I am grateful for food and necessities for daily life.” — (Sophomore)

“I’m grateful for my family and friends, since they support me and aid me throughout my lifetime.” — (Sophomore)

“The roof over my head and the community at 299 Highland St.” — Mr. Abdeljaber Razzaq (Teacher)

“I am grateful for my family and making new friends that welcomed me as a transfer student.” — (Sophomore)

“I am grateful for everything I have.” — (Sophomore)

“I’m grateful for the people in my life who support me and help me grow every day.” — (Sophomore)

“A home, internet, and food.” — (Sophomore)

“I am forever grateful for my family and friends for always loving and supporting me.” — (Sophomore)

“What I am grateful for this Thanksgiving is my parents hard work to give me the best education I could have. My mom stays home all day to cook food, take care of my dog, watch after my sick siblings, and talk to my brother who is currently overseas to make sure he is staying safe everyday. My dad works all week to make sure him and my mom can provide me and my siblings anything we WANT. All this work is for me and my siblings to succeed in life, so I will show them how grateful I am to have them as my guardians and to not throw away their time.” — Ashley Diep (Freshman)

“My friends, dog, family, and basketball.” — (Sophomore)

“I am grateful for my family.” — (Sophomore)

“This thanksgiving I am thankful for my family, friends, dog, food, and music.” — Nylah Todd (Sophomore)

“Community, connection, food and shelter.” — (Staff Member)

“I am grateful for the chances I am given to excel as a student and grow as a person.” — (Sophomore)

“I’m grateful for my family, my business, and food to eat.” — Judge Jarvis (Sophomore)

“I am grateful for everything I have been given in life, by having a good family to having amazing friends, I’m grateful for having a good life. Even when my life is down, everyone I know is there to support me.” — (Sophomore)

“My family, my colleagues and God.” — (Teacher)

“Something I am grateful for is that I have another year that I am breathing and that I am healthy.” — (Sophomore)

“I am thankful for my dog, Cannoli. I am also thankful for my friends and my family.” — Giana Porcaro (Sophomore)

“I’m grateful for the health of myself and my family.” — Jess Racine (Teacher)

What’s One Improvement Or Change at DMHS You’re Thankful For?

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“I enjoy feeling very safe at school, not worried if I’ll get bullied or be judged harshly (which can still happen). The school feels incredibly safe and I don’t have to worry that much.” — (Sophomore)

“One change at Doherty Memorial High School that I am thankful for is how they rebuilt it.” — Nylah Todd (Sophomore)

“One improvement at Doherty Memorial High School that I’m thankful for is honestly the new building. I love the design and structure, whenever I’m entering the school I feel like I’m walking into a University.” — Ashley Diep (Freshman)

“The building.” — (Sophomore)

“Nothing.” — (Sophomore)

“I haven’t been at Doherty Memorial High School for a long time because I’m only a sophomore, but a change I could see from some of the students from the old building is being able to have more room or space. A change that I’m personally thankful for is the food…” — Lonnea Miller (Sophomore)

“The internet.” — (Sophomore)

“I am thankful for the most obvious… a new building that has given us everything we need to be able to do our jobs well.” — Mrs. Naço (Teacher)

“I’m thankful for the continued investment in the new building and learning environment especially the spaces that make students feel more comfortable.” — (Sophomore)

“I am new to this amazing new building, which I’m very grateful for (it’s a major upgrade from where I last worked in the district)!” — Mr. James (Teacher)

“Social skills.” — Judge Jarvis (Sophomore)

“I’m thankful for the phone pockets!” — (Teacher)

“I am grateful for all janitors who clean this school.” — Giana Porcaro (Sophomore)

“New school and better academics.” — (Sophomore)

“I am thankful that there is order in our school. I am thankful for the systems recently put in place. I am thankful that students aren’t staring at their phones anymore (not in my class anyway).” – Araceli Esqueda (Teacher)

“I love the fact that there are more salads at lunch.” — Inkridden Emma (Freshman, Staff Writer for the Highlander’s Herald)

“The new building.” — (Sophomore)

“Being able to advocate for myself.” — Isabel Tabales (Sophomore)

“The heat because it has been so cold and it’s finally becoming warmer in the building lol.” — (Sophomore)

“Having Mr. Staley as our principal.” — Jess Racine (Teacher)

“The new building, it allows for the use of many new resources.” — (Sophomore)

“I am very thankful for the changes and the improvement at Doherty Memorial High School.” — Samuela Ametaj (Sophomore)

“I haven’t seen any improvements besides the new building, so I would say the new building.” — (Sophomore)

“New food menu options.” — Aliel Claudio (Sophomore, Staff Writer for the Highlander’s Herald, and Cigarettes in the Grave band member)

“I am thankful for the building and how we have new classrooms/bathrooms and a big cafeteria.” — (Sophomore)

“New building, and new principal.” — (Teacher)

“I am thankful for all the people who work so hard to keep our school clean.” — (Sophomore)

“It’s my first year here, so I cannot speak to that!” — (Staff Member)

“The new building.” — (Sophomore)

“The Administration (and the new weight room!)” — Mr. Bradley Dustin (Teacher)

What Message Of Thanks Would You Like To Share With Readers This Thanksgiving?

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“Be appreciative for what you have now, for your family, friends, everything that you are given because what you have may seem little to you, but can mean a lot to someone else. You should be thankful for everything that you have in your life.” — (Sophomore)

“Cherish those who are close to you, even those you don’t think matter. You never know someone’s impact on your life until they’re out of it.” — Nicole Sequeira (Sophomore)

“Be thankful for something.” — (Sophomore)

“This Thanksgiving, do not let negativity overcome the day your suppose to experience happiness and gratefulness. It is never worth it, so enjoy memories with those who took great care of you. (And be grateful too!)” — Ashley Diep (Freshman)

“Never forget that no matter how hard life gets, look at the positive!” — Isabel Tabales (Sophomore)

“Be good to yourself each day–be purposeful, be connected to others and what you value. Enjoy the day, laugh a bit, and do something nice for another.” — Mr. James (Teacher)

“I want to share that nothing in this life is guaranteed. Make the most of everything that you do. Go to that party, go to that restaurant, go over and talk to them. You aren’t the bad guy none of us ever were. I want you to live your life to the fullest. We all have armour only the most brave of us are willing to take it off.” — Inkridden Emma (Freshman, Staff Writer for the Highlander Herald)

“Appreciate what you have in life, there is always someone less fortunate. Make the best of what you’ve been given and work hard to better your life. Give to others in need.” — (Teacher)

“I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful school community.” — Jess Racine (Teacher)

“Thanks to all the members of the Doherty community for making this a great place to learn and teach!” — (Teacher)

“Thank you for being here, and for being a part of the Doherty Community.” — (Staff Member)

“Love each other because every single one of us is not perfect.” — Brayden Nguyen (Sophomore)

“Say thanks.” — (Sophomore)

“Thank you for keeping the Doherty spirit alive.” — (Sophomore)

“Someone always has it worse than you so be thankful for the position you’re in.” — Judge Jarvis (Sophomore)

“Be happy for what you have because you could lose it at any time.” — (Sophomore)

“This Thanksgiving, may your day be full of joy, laughter, and time spent with loved ones. Take a moment to appreciate the good things in life and share kindness with others.” — Samuela Ametaj (Sophomore)

“Keep doing what you’re doing.” — (Sophomore)

“This Thanksgiving, I want to remind everyone to appreciate our teachers more. They put in so much effort to help us learn and grow, and we should be thankful for them because their support is a big part of how we succeed in life.” — (Sophomore)

“I want to share my gratitude for the teachers, staff, and students who make our school a place where people feel welcome and supported. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.” — (Sophomore)

“Be grateful for what you have and don’t take advantage of it.” — (Sophomore)

“Be happy.” — (Sophomore)

“Big thank you to all the staff and students that help everyone learn something new everyday and for sharing their patience and kindness.” — (Sophomore)

“Be happy.” — (Sophomore)

“I thank all Doherty students for just being here and for the teachers. Hope your turkeys are not dry (or dry if you prefer).” — Aliel Claudio (Sophomore, Staff Writer for the Highlander’s Herald, and Cigarettes in the Grave band member)

“I would like to say to be happy and thankful for things you have in life.” — (Sophomore)

“Just have a great Thanksgiving.” — (Sophomore)

“I am thankful for people who have shown kindness and compassion to me at Doherty. I had a pretty rough time in my teenage years and into my 20’s. I was a very young mother at the age of 16. But your beginning doesn’t have to determine your end; you can make better choices and have a wonderful life.” – Araceli Esqueda (Teacher)

“Always be thankful for your friends and family!” — Giana Porcaro (Sophomore)

“Thank you to all the teachers and administrators for working so hard to help us grow as individuals.” — (Sophomore)

“Love everyone, and more importantly, love yourself.” — (Sophomore)

“Be thankful for God and enjoy your food.” — Lonnea Miller (Sophomore)

“Be yourself and remember YOLO.” — (Sophomore)

“Chicken butt.” — Nylah Todd (Sophomore)

After taking a closer look at what staff members, teachers, and students had to say this Thanksgiving season, it’s clear what gratitude means at Doherty — and now it’s your turn to think about what you can take away from their responses. Do their mentions of family, friends, and the people who support them make you think about who you’re thankful for? Do their thoughts about the new building, safer spaces, and better school resources make you notice what’s changed for you this year? And do their messages about staying positive, being kind, and appreciating what you have make you think about what you want to focus on in your own life? As you go on with your day, let their words remind you to notice the good things around you and to keep that sense of gratitude with you. Do you suddenly feel the need to express how you celebrate your Thanksgiving break? Scroll down and vote for one of the many options in the poll below! Share your thoughts on what Doherty had to say, and while you’re at it, share a message of thanks by clicking the comment button on your right-hand side. Tune in for more holiday-related articles!

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Enjoying A Meal And Spending Time With Family

Watching The Parade, Football, Or Favorite Shows

Taking Time To Rest And Recharge During The Break

Gathering Or Celebrating With Friends

Embracing A Culture and Their Traditions

Traveling or Taking a Short Getaway

Shopping Black Friday or Cyber Monday Deals

Volunteering or Helping the Community

About the Writer

Katz Paniagua., Staff Writer & Editor

Hello! I’m Katz, a Sophomore here at Doherty Memorial High School!

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Anonymous • Nov 20, 2025 at 3:01 pm

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for all five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.


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Highlander's Herald

Highlander's Herald

Happy Thanksgiving! What’s DMHS Most Thankful For This Year?

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Highlander's Herald

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