I always like to take some time and reflect on the things I’m thankful for and put it in ink each Thanksgiving.

Last year, I wrote a blog post about how thankful I was for a new beginning and a job right here at the Salisbury Post. Today, I’m still grateful for that job, but my gratitude runs much deeper now.

I’m thankful for the people I cover – for the students with joyful smiles on their faces, the teachers who give their all to students and the administrators who work hard to give guidance to our local schools.

I’m thankful for those I work with (both past and present) – for their patience with me as I’ve spent the last year learning the ropes, their encouragement when I’ve gotten frustrated with myself and their camaraderie on and off the clock.

I’m thankful for a job that has challenged me and caused me to learn, grow and stretch myself.

I am also eternally grateful for the Post’s two interns – Megan Bruan and Peyton Rodgers. They help me with the most tedious of projects (especially ShoutOuts) and help me keep a student’s perspective in mind. They’re also expert interviewers – in fact, they’re responsible for gathering a number of the quotes in this column.

I could go on and on about the things I’m thankful for – both at work and in my personal life, but since this is the education section, I thought it would be interesting to ask local students, teachers and administrators what they’re thankful for about each of their schools.

• “I am thankful for amazing teachers and the bonds they create with their students. With teachers like Ms. Osborne and Mr. Johnsen, coming to class is exciting. Being a product of North Rowan education since kindergarten, I have experience with diversity and have many friends of different backgrounds. I am also grateful to attend a school with overwhelming community support.” – Megan Braun, North Rowan High School senior and Salisbury Post intern
• “I am mostly thankful for the amazing opportunities my school offers me and the other students. We are able to participate in great things that increase our knowledge and talent in something we love. I am also thankful for the teachers that stay after school and help students that need the little extra time.”  Peyton Rodgers, Carson High School junior and Salisbury Post intern
• “I’m thankful for the new technology opportunities the school system has given us this year. I’m hopeful these opportunities will better prepare me for college.” – Regan Bell, East Rowan High School student
• “I am thankful to be able to work with children every day who appreciate everything they receive. I am also so thankful for an amazing staff that is willing to collaborate together as a team. What a blessing to work in an environment like this.” – Ashley Roach, assistant principal at Landis Elementary School
• “It prepares me for college, as well as teaching me skills I will use throughout my life and career. I also love that we are a small school because the friendships I have made will surely last a long time.” – Janssen Keiger, Rowan County Early College student
• “I’m thankful for colleagues who devote their careers to educating children and who are relentless on improving every day. I’m thankful for my wonderful two sons and my caring husband, and I’m thankful for a community who understands our economic future depends on our investments in education.” Dr. Lynn Moody, Superintendent of the Rowan-Salisbury School System.
• “I’m thankful for my school and for the amazing faculty and staff. I’m also thankful for caring teachers and the education that they provide me. Carson is an awesome school that has so much to offer. Go Cougars!” – Taylor McCulloh, Carson High School student
• “I am blessed to be teaching art at two great schools and am very thankful that I live in a community that supports the arts!” – Brenda Suzanne Gariepy, art specialist for Enochville Elementary School and Bostian Elementary School
• “The great teachers and the fun classes.” – Joseph Mitchem, Carson High School student
• “I love Thanksgiving, and I am especially grateful to be part of Kannapolis City Schools. I am thankful for students who are interested in giving back to our community and volunteering to help others. I am grateful for a long-standing Board of Education that has given nearly 100 years of dedicated service to our community. I appreciate our amazing employees who are committed to the mission of Kannapolis City Schools, and I am extremely grateful for a faith community that stands ready to help us meet our students’ needs.” – Dr. Pam Cain, Kannapolis City Schools superintendent
• “I’m thankful that we have good teachers and that I’m getting a good education.” – Lindsay Herring, South Rowan High School student
• “I’m probably most thankful that the curriculums I use are Biblically based.” – Gabriel Groppi, home schooled student
• “I am thankful for the opportunity to work in public education. I see it as my mission field and an opportunity to work with some of the greatest colleagues, students and families around. We truly live our motto here at Shady Brook doing “whatever it takes” to see that all students and staff succeed! Teamwork is dream work!” – Jill Dancy, technology integration specialist at Shady Brook Elementary
• “I am thankful for being able to see my friends every day and for the opportunity to learn for my future.” — Dylan Auten, North Rowan High School student
• “I’m personally thankful for having people in my life at school that truly care about me. These people are more than friends or teammates – I consider them family.” — Cody Stewart, West Rowan High School student
• “One of the things I’m most thankful for about school is the teachers and staff that put all their time and effort into seeing us succeed. I’m thankful that they truly care about us and are willing to put in as much time as it takes in order for each student to excel.” — Makenna Pate, Carson High School student