Since November is the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving, for the November Junior Saints, students in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington were invited to draw a picture and write about what they are thankful for.
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“I am thankful for the availability of cleaning and sanitation supplies. Without these supplies, it would be harder to stay safe and learn at school. I am thankful for a wonderful education and all of the precautions our school is going through to keep me and my friends safe during the school year. I am also thankful for kind teachers who are here to help you when needed.” – Drawing and writing by Camryn Stark, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for friends, because they are people who are there for you when you need them.” – Nicolas Olekson, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful that God forgives our sins. I am also thankful that we live near the woods, because I love playing in the woods. I am thankful for books, because I love to read. I am thankful for my family. I love them all.” – Ava Hall, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Drawing by Jack Bowen, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“I am thankful for my life, my family and God. I love my family, because they love me, and they make food for my brothers and me. I love God because he made the Earth, my life and my family. I hope some day I get to see God, and I know he loves me, no matter what.” – Drawing and writing by Valentina Cruceta, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for Jesus giving up his life and dying on the cross for our sins. I am also thankful for family, friends and pets… and I am thankful for my teachers and staff here.” – Sophia Hankins, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for my family, my parents who put food on the table, a roof over my head and allow me to go to a Catholic school to learn and enrich my faith. My parents comfort me when I am upset, make me laugh and make me happy… My family is very important to me, they make me very happy, and they do a lot for me.” – Luke Annulis, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for Jesus, family, food, water, my fish, my cat, a roof over my head, and being healthy. First Jesus, because he died on the cross for us, and he loves me and provides all this stuff that I am thankful for. Second my family, because they help me through hard times, provide for me and a lot more things…” – Drawing and writing by Kalina Carmen Dillard, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Drawing by Emily Konya, first grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for my family. Without my family, I would never be what I am today. They provide food, water and a roof over my head, and clothes, education and all the sports I want to do. They take me to the places I need to go. I love my mom and dad, they are my heroes, and I am extremely thankful for them.” – Madison Hughes, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for school and sports. Without sports, I don’t think I would be the person I am today. Sports are also a good way to get into college, but you can’t go into college without good grades, which is why I am thankful for school. My school has amazing teachers that will help you become the best student you can be…” – Drawing and writing by Kaleb Smith, seventh grader, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I’m thankful for family and friends. I’m also thankful for God, because without God, we wouldn’t be here, and my family and friends also wouldn’t be here.” – Drawing and writing by Charlotte Adams, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“As a student of a Catholic school, I am thankful for a lot of things. I am very blessed to have such a kind and hard working staff for my school, and to have the gift of even coming to this school. Having such kindness as a teacher can have great influence on so many students. So something I have learned is to be thankful for everything in life, including your family, friends and all who support you, and to appreciate everything that God has given us in our lives.” – Aidan Ball, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for our Catholic faith, our school, and so many other things. I am particularly thankful for the people in my life. Sometimes people get caught in the moment of emotion and forget all of their blessings, and I have days like that too. No one is perfectly thankful, but sometimes when you are desiring an item, sometimes you have to look back on what you have and what others don’t.” – McKenzie Simpson, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Drawing by Haley Herman, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“What I am thankful to God for is my life, (and) my family and friends who have given me love and support through the years. I am thankful for the knowledge that God has given me, the knowledge of what is right and wrong, (and) the knowledge of history and knowing the politics of the world around me… I am thankful that the Lord has given me these gifts in my life, and I know it is up to me to show these gifts and use them according to his will.” – Daniel DiBonaventuro, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for a lot of things. One of those things is my teachers and parents, because they help me grow in my faith as a child of God. I am also very thankful for the gift of my conscience, for it also helps me to do the right thing to grow closer to God. God also gives me a roof over my head and food to eat, and I am very thankful. But what I am most thankful for is my patron saint, guardian angel and the saints that I can pray to and for them to intercede for me. Overall, God has given us many things to be thankful for… We should all thank God in prayer for all he has done for us.” – Thomas Perrin, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for my brain, because it allows me to comprehend things… My brain has helped me excel in school, and it allows me to be creative outside my education. My brain can also help me help others, like to assist someone who doesn’t understand something. Sometimes when I’m bored, I use my brain to escape reality and go to a world of my imagination. My brain is a very special gift from God, and that’s why I’m thankful for it. – Drawing and writing by Elana Dioguardi, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for everything God has given me…” – Drawing and writing by Graci King, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“The thing I am most thankful for is being able to learn about Christ. Today many people are still dying for their faith in God, so I am glad we have the chance to learn without fear of being persecuted… I am thankful for those who died to make our faith live on in our hearts…” – Kaleb Wingenter, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“During these times, I’m grateful for my health and for my family’s health as well. Especially in the colder months, I am grateful for the warmth of my home and the bounty that God provides. For my future, I’m grateful for the education that I have that will help me be successful as I grow. I’m grateful for my family always supporting me, and also loving me through everything.” – Annalisa Arata, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I am thankful for many things. One of those things is having life, waking up every morning with the sun shining on me. Another thing is having food, water and shelter. Breathing in fresh air every day… One last thing is having education. Having education is a gift. I get to learn five days a week in person, and I am thankful for that.” – Drawing and writing by Stella Bailey, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton, Maryland
“I am thankful for my life because I can enjoy the beauties of it… I have so many things to be thankful for, but if I didn’t have a life, I wouldn’t even exist. That’s why I am thankful that God gave me life, so I can enjoy it, and so I can worship God and have a happy life.” – Drawing and writing by Rachel Sweda, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“My favorite creation is snow.” – Drawing by Rylan Lopez, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for the park.” – Yabsra Tewodros, kindergarten, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for rainbows.” – Cayden Jefferson, kindergarten, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for God’s creation.” – Emalee Puterbaugh, kindergarten, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for my birthday.” – Arianne Ford, kindergarten, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for butterflies.” – Drawing by Catherine Brown, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“One thing I am thankful for is basketball. When I am bored, I just go outside and dribble my basketball. I also like to play basketball video games. I play 2K and NBA Live. I like to play with my friends outside and in a gym. My favorite shoe to play in is James Harden Vol. 5. If I ever play in the NBA, I want to play for the Lakers. – Brayden Harrison, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for my family, because each member of the family has always been there for me. My daddy always encourages me in all that I do. My mommy helps me with my work and is very supportive. My sister is very funny and makes me laugh all the time. So now I am very much grateful for my whole family.” – Philmona Henok, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for my mom. She is my best friend. I’m thankful for my sister, she makes me happy. I’m thankful for my brother. He is funny. He likes to take me to school and pick me up.” – KeMari Jackson, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for the love I get from family and friends. The love that I get from my family is priceless. Not everyone feels love. Some people are in abusive homes while some are bullied. We should pray that these people will be loved like us.” – Drawing and writing by Elijah Salcedo, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I’m thankful for my family and friends, because they love me and I love them. I’m also thankful for my clothes, shoes, and hair. I am thankful to God for letting me live and see the sun, moon, stars, clouds, trees, bugs and insects (even ones I don’t like). I also thank my family, because they raise me to become an amazing young lady. I’m thankful for my school friends for being my friends and my school teachers for teaching me.” – Laylah Parker, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful about being with my family. They make me smile, and I love them. We all go for family trips together. When we are home, we watch movies and shows. We laugh and play every day. We love each other so much. I love them too, a lot.”— Kenyatta Kerr, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
Drawing by Emily Mersberger, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“Why I am so thankful for everyone is because my brother is so sweet and lovable, my friends hang out and play with me and my family cares about me.” – Kaylyn Munk, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I’m thankful for Jesus, because he gave us life and a family. And I am very blessed to have a world, school, teachers, priests and friends.” – Chelsea Anderson, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for my computer, because it made me able to make friends online. It also helped me become more active socially and even lets me talk to family members during the pandemic. My computer has also let me push through tough times because I could play games and watch videos on it My computer has also let me be able to learn (online)...” – Jonathan Valenzuela, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for my family. I cannot imagine my life without them. They support me in everything I do and will always love me, no matter what. They take care of me, buy me food, do my laundry, play with me, and help me through tough times.” – Drawing and writing by Lauren Sweda, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for life, because it has allowed me to meet wonderful people. Life has also granted me awesome opportunities… Life is a wonderful thing that has taught me many awesome lessons…” – Joshua Hudson, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for my religion, Christianity. It positively influences me and my character. It guides my actions and behavior and (helps me) maintain healthy well-being. It teaches us responsibility and service and encourages us to help others. It makes me feel safe… It teaches me to walk with courage and not fear. My religion is a big part of who I am My parents have (instilled) it in me since I was born. I thank the Lord and will forever and ever. Amen.” – Obi Obidegwu, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I’m thankful for love, because without it, the world would be pretty harsh. Love is very important, because it is something you express. We can show love in the most simple ways, just by saying, ‘I love you.’” – Gavin Holden, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for all of God’s creation. That includes my family, my friends and me!...” – NarDre Thompson, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am extremely thankful for basketball, whether I’m playing or watching it. I always have a good time with basketball. I’ve been playing basketball since I was a toddler, and my love for basketball has just grown since I have gotten older.” – Drawing and writing by Wisdom Mintz, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
“I am thankful for a roof over my head. I’m also thankful for my parents and sister, because they help me get through things when times are hard. I’m also thankful for getting a good education. The reason why I’m thankful for these things is because as I got older, I realized that a lot of kids my age don’t get to have a roof over their head or a family to talk to all the time when things get tough. This is why I’m thankful for these things.” – Laila Jenkins, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, Clinton
Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing by Paige Sowanick, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Thankfulness is important. We need it. She should be thankful for God’s creation. Look around the world for things we love… It’s up to us to spread thankfulness.” – Jake Calamis, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my dog, being healthy, God and Jesus, and my teachers. Also food and water. And my clothes, my bed, a soccer ball, a basketball, a football and skiing. And the last things I’m thankful for are my school and house.” – Emma Donovan, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I’m grateful for my family, because they love me, and I love them… I really am grateful for my friends, because they are so kind, funny and caring, and I’m happy that I have so many… I’m grateful to have a home, because it provides shelter for my family… I’m grateful to have food, so I do not starve. I’m grateful to have yummy dinners and meals…” – Drawing and writing by Emilia Jaeger, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I am thankful for the Earth. The Earth is amazing! We wouldn’t be standing here if the Earth wasn’t here. The Earth has many amazing sites, like the Egyptian pyramids. The Earth gives us oceans to swim in and land to walk on.” – Will Hopkins, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I am thankful for food, water, God, my house, friends, doctors, family, peace, school and my health. I am also thankful for more things, such as my dog, my teachers, my bed, my clothes and many more. I am most thankful for my family, because without them, I wouldn’t be myself.” – Mary Dugan, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I have many things I am thankful for… I am thankful for a place to live, love, peace, my bed, the U.S.A., Communion, God, friends and Junior Saints!... I am very thankful for food banks and soup kitchens, because they provide food for those who need it.” – Drawing and writing by Cordelia McCahan, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I am thankful for my family, because my family takes care of me, and my family gives me food, water and a house. I am thankful to God, because God gave everyone life and love…” – Nathan Rives, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I chose the Earth, because it is what people live and stand on. It also gives us food, water and other materials that wee need. But people are not really helping it… People should love our Earth, because it gives us life.” – Drawing and writing by Alex Milligan, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I’m thankful for my friends, family, my house and nature. I’m thankful for my family because they take care of me when I’m sick or not feeling too well. I’m thankful for my friends because they are there to keep me company and make my laugh. I’m thankful for my house because it keeps me safe and gives me shelter. I’m thankful for nature because it helps us and it is so beautiful.” – Drawing and writing by Winnie Grimberg, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“One of the many things I’m thankful for is trees. Trees give us oxygen, shade and shelter for smaller animals. I am also thankful for an education. Education is a big part of your life… Another thing I am thankful for is peace. Without peace, the world would be a lot different. The last thing I am thankful for is God. God created our planet and you. Without God, we would not exist.” – Ione Seaman, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I am thankful for many things, first is my life, it allows me to have purpose. Second is my family, they are loving, kind and helpful. I am grateful for Jesus, too, he died on the cross for us. I love my toys also, they allow me to have fun in my free time, and my Legos help me explore. My bed is on this list, because it help me rest, dream and be comfortable. I like activities and sports that allow me to have fun and exercise.” –Drawing and writing by Torin Kumar, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I am thankful for my family, especially my parents for taking great care of me and giving me a great education. I am also very thankful for my friends. They always keep me company and make me happy when I am down. I am also thankful for my teachers who give me a good education and help with any subject.” – Kate Benhard, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“One thing I’m thankful for is my family, including my family in Ethiopia. This is because family is very important to me, they keep me company and are very loving. Another thing I’m thankful for is friends, because they are very nice. I am also thankful for my pets, because they always find a way of cheering me up when I am sad or just not in a good mood… Lastly, I am thankful for life.” – Abigail Hailemariam, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I am thankful for my family, because my parents gave birth to me and raised me. They took care of me. My sister, Elyse, pays with me. She is very kind. I know that my family loves me… I think that my family is amazing. Everyone should be grateful for their families.” – Drawing and writing by Oriana Rodgers, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“I am thankful for everything in life.” – Drawing and writing by Liyat Abeje, fourth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville, Maryland
Drawing by Camille Simpson, fourth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“I am thankful for the world that God created.” – Clara Krum, fourth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
Drawing by Noah Tewodros, fourth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“There are many ways to be thankful for this season, but the few things I am most thankful for is my education and family. I have been with St. Jude since pre-K, and I am so happy I was able to grow up with this welcoming community. Going to St. Jude has also introduced me to my friends I have today. This school helped with my social skills, confidence, and educated me, but without my family I could not even attend this school. My family has been there for me through my ups and downs. I would love to thank them for everything they have provided for me. These things have such an important impact on my life and made me who I am today.” – Marian Belardo, seventh grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“My father grew up in Makati City, Philippines, living with his parents and his other four siblings. By the age of 17, he went to attend the Philippine Military Academy. As the years went on, he climbed the ranks up to 1st lieutenant. He was scheduled for his promotion to captain, but in September 2009, he decided to join me and my mother here in the United States. He wanted to watch me grow up. However, that required him to leave the Philippines, his career, his parents, siblings, and everything he had called home. With a lot of sacrifices, he ended up moving to America. I’m thankful for my father, and everything he did to raise me. He continues to be an inspiration to me. With his good morals, he never fails to teach me something new. I love my dad because he teaches me that family comes first.” – Janica Belen, seventh grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“Life has its ups and downs. Some days are tremendous, some days you want to crawl in a hole and never want to be seen again. Even through all of that, it is good to see the blessings that God gives you. Personally, the biggest gift I think God has given me is knowing who he is. Every single day I am surrounded by a community of people who love God and know God as I do. There are many people out there that must practice their faith in secret, or they will be killed. I thank God every day that he has let me live in a place where practicing my Christian faith is allowed, where I can go to school and be freely open about my love and devotion for Jesus Christ.” – Bethel Yosef, seventh grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“There is a lot that I am grateful for, but in the end, they all link to God. He is the one that gave me a life full of many experiences and love. My family and friends have always supported me and have helped me get through tough times. I’m grateful to God that he has sent people and great pets in my life that care about me. My dog and my finch have always been there for me whenever I’m feeling lonely. For these reasons and many more, I find myself very grateful to God and everything he has done for me.” – Halle Adorian, eighth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“November is a month of Thanksgiving when we remember the things that mean a lot to us. Something that means a lot to me is being Greek Orthodox and going to a Catholic school. I don’t know that much about the Greek Orthodox religion, but I am lucky that it is very similar to the Catholic religion. I am very blessed to be learning about God in school and learning in a way that reflects on my faith. Going to a Catholic school has helped me to stay connected with God. We pray in the morning, at lunch, in the afternoon, and before most classes begin. I could not be happier at St. Jude, and I am very thankful to go to a Catholic school while still being Greek Orthodox.” – Nicoletta Argyros, eighth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“November is a great month to acknowledge what you are thankful for. I have many things I am thankful for, but I am most thankful for my mother. I am thankful for my mother because she sacrificed so my sister and I can get a good education and religious life at St. Jude Regional Catholic School. Every day I thank God for my family who immigrated to the United States from third world countries to start a better life for their kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I am also very grateful for my grandparents. They helped raise me while my mom was working every day to provide for my sister and me. Last but not least, I am very grateful to have God every day in my life, blessing me with a supportive family and for St. Jude Regional Catholic School that has helped me become a better person and increase my faith in God.” – Kaylee Liriano, eighth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“Giving thanks for all the things we have is important. I would like to give thanks to all the people that made me who I am today. I realize that I have commodities that others do not have, including a home, food, clothing, and a good education. Having been gifted with these things, I can fully appreciate the wonderful life I have been given. I would also like to give thanks to my parents and teachers, having put in work to nourish my growth and help me on my path. Realizing and appreciating both the big and small things in life can help us to be happy and joyful. Always giving thanks for the things we have and keeping them in our hearts can lead us to a happy life.” – Lucas Liotta, eighth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
Another Junior Saints Thanksgiving collection of writings and drawings
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December Junior Saints
In December we celebrate Christmas, when we prayerfully remember the birth of Jesus. For the December Junior Saints, draw a picture of the first Christmas, and write about what Christmas means to you. The drawings and writings should be emailed to mark@cathstan.org by Thursday Dec. 9, 2021 to Mark Zimmermann, the Catholic Standard's editor, and they should include the name, grade and school or parish of the student printed clearly.
