Second-graders give thanks at Winding Waters
Showing confidence and poise, second-grader Camdyn Drummond on Wednesday read a Thanksgiving essay to his parents and classmates. A student in Jospehine Mahers’s class, Camdyn announced his name loudly and clearly, and said he was thankful for his family, friends and teacher. GEOFF FOX/STAFF
WEEKI WACHEE — Camdyn Drummond addressed a packed room before him with confident enthusiasm.
A second-grader at Winding Waters K-8, Camdyn and his fellow students in Josephine Maher’s class read aloud Thanksgiving essays on Wednesday as their families watched.
Among other things, Camdyn said he was thankful for his family, teacher and Star Buddies (classmates), and that his dad takes him to Taco Bell.
Following Camdyn, Mitchell Harlamor, looking dapper in a shirt and tie, also expressed gratitude for family.
“Happy Thanksgiving everybody!” he said.
Smiling big, Peyton Hughes thanked Maher because she said her teacher “helps me understand things I don’t know.”
“I’m thankful for my mom, because she sings ‘You Are My Sunshine’ to me,” Peyton said. “And I’m thankful that my kitty just got fixed. That means she can’t have babies.”
Maher congratulated her students on their “effective speaking skills.”
Around the classroom were Halloween and Thanksgiving-themed decorations. Surrounding a clock in front of the room were large numbers taped to the wall to help the students learn to tell time.
Above the white board were the words: “Reach For The Stars!”
Maher chose the star theme, in part, because it rhymes with her last name.
“On the first day of school, I tell each of them, ‘You’re in my class — you’re a star!,’” Maher said. “I play up the behavior, respect and social skills, and I get 100 percent buy-in from the parents.”
After the essays were read, students and parents enjoyed cake.
Some grandparents also participated.
Among other things, student Ethan Ladd said he was thankful for his grandfather, who takes him walking near a pond and taught him to build sheds and other things.
Ethan’s grandfather, James LaRose, of Weeki Wachee, was proud to be mentioned. A retired physicist and chemist, he characterized Ethan as an enthusiastic child with a thirst for learning.
“He and I do archery together,” LaRose said. “At night, we like to do astronomy. He already knows a lot of the constellations.”
LaRose smiled as Maher accepted hugs and compliments from parents.
“She does something for Thanksgiving every year,” he said.
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