It’s not only the jolliest time of the year, but it’s also the season of giving. TBS has given its students a number of gifts this holiday season: free donuts, band and musical theater performances, and the amazing thumb wars and staring contests during BBC.

On a more serious note, students at The Benjamin School are thankful for a number of things. In a poll asking what three things Benjamin’s middle schoolers are thankful for, most students chose family, friends, and health (in that order). The list also included education, where they live, and toys and gadgets.

Mitch Faloona, eighth grader and vice president of student council, stated, “ I’m thankful for all my family, friends, and all that they do for me. They support me no matter what, and that’s what I’m most thankful for.”

Matthew Postman, a sixth grader, said, “I’m thankful to be at a wonderful school, TBS, because I have a bright future here due to all the kind teachers.”

Eighth grader Regan Kretz is “thankful for loving family and friends and how I can always have someone to turn to.”

Seventh grader John Sweeney said that he is most thankful for “my health because a lot of people in the world are suffering from different diseases, and I’m thankful that I’m healthy.”

Mr. Hagy, the head of the Benjamin Middle School, values his family and TBS, like many of his students. “I’m grateful for my children, The Benjamin School, the community, being a teacher – to do what I love.” He asks students to “be grateful for the small things. Don’t miss the wind in your face and appreciate the sunrises and sunsets. Live in the moment and be grateful for every moment and every day.”