At the YMCA, Thanksgiving came early this year as family and friends celebrated on Tuesday, November 20th, during a day of programming planned and executed entirely by students. With support from their instructor Cayden Holod, the YMCA MPP class presented a flawless, educational event that included breakfast, dinner, and arts & crafts, culminating with a screening and discussion of What's Cooking , a film about the different ways families observe Thanksgiving Day.

"We wanted to celebrate friendship, family, and culture, and to be thankful," said Andrea King, a GED student from Germantown who wants to open a daycare center after she graduates. The potluck dinner, meticulously organized by the students down to the handmade decorations and the plastic gloves used for serving, brought together meals from the diverse cultures of the students and staff at the YMCA, who hail from African, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, African American, and Jewish American traditions. Beyond food and fellowship, the experience helped students strengthen lifelong learning skills that will be useful in the job market. June Turner, who hopes to become a special education teacher, got some early teaching practice with the day's art project, which required internet research, preparation, and instruction, and Rhashauna Floyd, who wants to open a catering business, was right at home, planning, preparing, and serving the delicious dishes.

What's next for this talented group of students that includes Dvorah Williams, Brenda Ahmed, Fofana Bandiougougou, and Genevieve Pleasant? They have big dreams - Dvorah figures to become an accountant, while Brenda hopes to be a baker. Fofana aims to be a real estate entrepreneur, and Genevieve fancies herself as a singer. For now they are planning a Christmas event, and with their skills and enthusiasm, it is sure to be a success.