The MHS community headed into the Fall Break with full stomachs and plenty of gratitude, thanks to the annual Harvest Luncheon organized by the sophomore class.

The all-community event took place November 19 in the Thatcher Family Gymnasium and featured an informative presentation, music from the Grace Notes, and — of course — fantastic food.

Sophomore class President Alfie Su ’28 opened by welcoming students and adults, who were seated at mixed tables, each with a host sophomore, a faculty and/or staff member, and students from each grade, an arrangement that prompted engaging conversations across cohorts.

In her remarks, Alfie pointed to a gratitude tree created by the Class of 2028 and decorated with leaves containing notes about things sophomores are grateful for. The idea was to point out the many small things that contribute to making MHS a special place. “As a community that celebrates many different cultures and traditions, the Harvest Luncheon has become something special for our school — a day where we gather not because of a holiday, but because we choose to celebrate one another,” she said. “It’s about gratitude, kindness, and taking a moment to slow down together.”

Alfie also recognized people who make the event possible, including he MHS Culinary, Facilities, and Horizons teams, Sophomore Class Coordinator and History Teacher Dr. Thomas Stock, and her classmates. “You have all shown incredible dedication, teamwork, and care for our community,” she added.

Members of the class’s Education Committee — Izzy Stewart ’28, Faye Ehrbar ’28, Mazie Adler ’28, Madison Edwards ’28, and Cindy Li ’28 — presented the history of local indigenous peoples and the evolution of the Thanksgiving holiday. Their presentation offered insight into the Pilgrims and their interactions with the original inhabitants of this land and featured the culture of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans who lived in the Hudson River Valley and Berkshires, including what is now Pittsfield.

After the Grace Notes, the School’s a cappella singing group, performed the traditional Shaker song “Simple Gifts,” Director of Athletics Dr. Katrina Hall was selected for the honor of carving this year’s turkey, and the community enjoyed a delicious meal.

Traditionally hosted by the sophomores, the Harvest Luncheon is part of the 10th-grade Horizons experience, allowing students to take ownership of the event. Student committees handle details such as planning the menu, design and aesthetics, communications, layout, educational programming, and more. Throughout the fall, students learned about the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples, while also incorporating hands-on experiences into their work and practicing the collaborative skills they will use when off campus for Horizons site work later in the year.

One of the year’s favorite events, this special gathering provided the MHS community with an important moment of connectedness before departing for Fall Break.