Community Corner

Students Say 'Thank You' With Thanksgiving Feast

ALTA students Tuesday provided a meal to parents, alumni, school officials and other community leaders with a special turkey luncheon.

For decades, the alternative high school program known as ALTA has provided an opportunity for students to attend a smaller, non-traditional school and still achieve the success and reach for their dreams. What better way to say ‘thank you’ – and what better time of year – than with a Thanksgiving feast?

ALTA’s 40 students and staff members came together on Tuesday afternoon at to say thanks and share their success with teachers, alumni, family members and commuity leaders during the 24th annual Thanksgiving luncheon. The event drew more than 80 people and helped fill the dining hall and auditorium are at the church.

Students acted as hosts, provided raffle options and served food which included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls and a variety of desserts.

“When we started this 24 years ago, there were hardened brows, fleeting dreams and transient hopes. No one knew if ALTA would survive or if the program would be cut,” said Anita Holtz, an English teacher at the . “Every day, ALTA is able to bring families together and give students a chance and now we are assured we can continue to provide opportunities for our students.”

Each student at ALTA has followed a different path and each has faced a variety of challenges that made learning and growing at a traditional school difficult.

Stepfanie Pelletier, an alumni of the schools who now attends Tunxis Community College in Farmington, said without the support she found at the school including one on one leader, she would never have been able to achieve her goals of attending college.

That’s why she came back on Tuesday, hoping to support the current students and share her story with people throughout the community.

“There’s a great meaning to this event beyond the serving of turkey,” said School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. “It’s symbolic of the relationship our students have with their teachers and with leaders in the community. For that, there is much reason to celebrate.”

Mark Hill, guidance councilor at ALTA, said the effort is simply a chance to say thank you to everyone that has made a difference in the students lives.

“This is the essence of what Thanksgiving is all about,” Hill said. “It’s ALTA sharing its success stories with the community and it gets families involved. That’s what this is all about.”


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