Students Focus on Gratitude with Thanksgiving Projects
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
-
Mallard Quest Brings Families a Night Full of Math Fun
Published: Oct 30, 2025
-
Book in a Bag Promoting Increased Literacy, Comprehension at Mill Creek
Published: Mar 20, 2025
Each November, National Heritage Academies (NHA®) partner-schools incorporate the month’s Moral Focus™ virtue of Gratitude into meaningful projects that impact their school and community while also celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are a few examples of how students put that Moral Focus virtue into action.
Ridge Park Charter Academy
At Ridge Park Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, students turned construction paper into 1,500 handmade placemats for guests at Mel Trotter Ministries that will be used at their annual Thanksgiving meal.
This tradition has been led by Achievement and Behavior Specialist Lisa Walejewski for the past 20 years. She says the project teaches students about empathy. She asks students to imagine what it would feel like to sit down to a warm holiday meal made just a little brighter by their kindness.
“Teachers discuss why the placemats are made so the kids foster a sense of where their mats are going and what a service project means,” she said.
Inspire Charter Academy
At Inspire Charter Academy in Baton Rouge, students partnered with community organizations to make sure no one spent the Thanksgiving holiday alone.
The third annual Thanksgiving dinner event brought together students from Inspire and Southern University.
They passed out food and a there was a special appearance by the Council on Aging choir.
This year more than 250 people gathered for the community Thanksgiving dinner. The event is open to anyone seeking a free meal or wanting to celebrate with family and neighbors. The dinner also connects attendees to helpful community resources.
CLICK HERE to see the news coverage of the event
Forsyth Academy Students Lead with Gratitude at Thanksgiving Celebration
What began as a schoolwide canned food drive at Forsyth Academy quickly grew into something even more impactful, a warm community dinner.
After the canned goods were collected, the student government, led by teachers Marina Cruz and Kelsey Martin, saw an opportunity to organize a Thanksgiving dinner for families.
But their generosity didn’t stop there. In addition to the meal, families received thoughtfully prepared food packages to take home. The packages were offered with dignity, ensuring that those who needed extra support felt valued heading into the holiday season.
Orion Academy
Orion Academy in Cincinnati hosted its annual Fall Feast for students and their families. Staff offered their helping hands to serve families dinner, offering a connection point with families and bolstering a sense of community.
Several community partners were in attendance to offer resources, support, and celebrate Orion families. Participants also took home baskets of essential items, providing valuable resources that can be used throughout the year.
With a night focused on community, connection, and gratitude, Orion is ensuring every family feels valued and supported.
Chandler Woods Charter Academy
The Macy’s Day Parade hit the halls of Chandler Woods Charter Academy in Grand Rapids! Students marched with the handmade balloons and were cheered on by their fellow scholars and teachers. This annual tradition gives students a chance to show their support for classmates and celebrate their creativity.
CLICK HERE to watch the parade!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.
Ridge Park Charter Academy
At Ridge Park Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, students turned construction paper into 1,500 handmade placemats for guests at Mel Trotter Ministries that will be used at their annual Thanksgiving meal.
This tradition has been led by Achievement and Behavior Specialist Lisa Walejewski for the past 20 years. She says the project teaches students about empathy. She asks students to imagine what it would feel like to sit down to a warm holiday meal made just a little brighter by their kindness.
“Teachers discuss why the placemats are made so the kids foster a sense of where their mats are going and what a service project means,” she said.
Inspire Charter Academy
At Inspire Charter Academy in Baton Rouge, students partnered with community organizations to make sure no one spent the Thanksgiving holiday alone.
The third annual Thanksgiving dinner event brought together students from Inspire and Southern University.
They passed out food and a there was a special appearance by the Council on Aging choir.
This year more than 250 people gathered for the community Thanksgiving dinner. The event is open to anyone seeking a free meal or wanting to celebrate with family and neighbors. The dinner also connects attendees to helpful community resources.
CLICK HERE to see the news coverage of the event
Forsyth Academy Students Lead with Gratitude at Thanksgiving Celebration
What began as a schoolwide canned food drive at Forsyth Academy quickly grew into something even more impactful, a warm community dinner.
After the canned goods were collected, the student government, led by teachers Marina Cruz and Kelsey Martin, saw an opportunity to organize a Thanksgiving dinner for families.
But their generosity didn’t stop there. In addition to the meal, families received thoughtfully prepared food packages to take home. The packages were offered with dignity, ensuring that those who needed extra support felt valued heading into the holiday season.
Orion Academy
Orion Academy in Cincinnati hosted its annual Fall Feast for students and their families. Staff offered their helping hands to serve families dinner, offering a connection point with families and bolstering a sense of community.
Several community partners were in attendance to offer resources, support, and celebrate Orion families. Participants also took home baskets of essential items, providing valuable resources that can be used throughout the year.
With a night focused on community, connection, and gratitude, Orion is ensuring every family feels valued and supported.
Chandler Woods Charter Academy
The Macy’s Day Parade hit the halls of Chandler Woods Charter Academy in Grand Rapids! Students marched with the handmade balloons and were cheered on by their fellow scholars and teachers. This annual tradition gives students a chance to show their support for classmates and celebrate their creativity.
CLICK HERE to watch the parade!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.