McNeal Elementary hosts annual kindergarten Thanksgiving program

By Liz Ramos
| 9:45 a.m. November 22, 2024

Kindergartners Mila Park and Eliana Fitzmorris give it their all in every song.

East County
Schools

Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School kindergartners walked on stage ready to gobble.

Dressed as turkeys, the approximately 85 kindergartners lined up to perform songs, recite poems and share Thanksgiving jokes during McNeal Elementary's annual kindergarten Thanksgiving program Nov. 21.

"The cuteness level is about to reach dangerous heights," Assistant Principal Jennifer McManis told the audience.

Kindergarten teacher Nancy Newby said the program has been a tradition for the school for at least 10 years.

Newby said watching the students grow from the time they are first taught the songs after Halloween to the time they hit the stage brings her immense pride. She said it boosts the confidence of her students, and the other kindergartners.

"It's awesome to see all the families be able to come together and be so proud of the children," Newby said.

The show combined the adorableness of kindergartners dancing and singing to the comedic moments of the Thanksgiving jokes.

A joke that caused laughter throughout the crowd was: "What's the difference between a turkey and an owl? A turkey doesn't give a hoot."

Kindergartners (back) Ryder Zagorski, Jaxon Gilmore, Beau Taylor, (front) Camdyn Kramer, Tessa Kocisky and Savannah Cook are ready to take the stage for the annual Thanksgiving program.

Kindergartners wave to their families in the audience as they take the stage.

Kindergartner Callista Bravo helps to kick off the Thanksgiving program by welcoming guests.

Kindergartners Cohen Ruthven and Dax Morrow sing and dance to one of several songs the kindergarten class performed in its annual Thanksgiving program.

Kindergartners Jaxon Gilmore and Charlie Meserve share what their class is grateful for, which includes their pets and love.

Kindergartners Callie Wilson and Addison Hollands gobble the night away.

Kindergartner Jesse Plummer leads the rest of the kindergarten class in the start of their Thanksgiving poem.

Kindergartner Bailey Dent shares part of the Thanksgiving poem she and five other kindergartners memorized.

Kindergartners Miles Tateosian and Abigail Green share a Thanksgiving joke.

Kindergartner Savannah Cook strikes a pose during the turkey dance.

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.