A Feast of Thankfulness for Swampscott, Marblehead and Salem

Together, the paper feathers they placed on the cut-out turkey in the Swampscott High classroom fanned out in thankfulness.

The young adults and teachers from Marblehead and Salem were visiting the Swampscott IVY program's annual Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 14, a day to share turkey and vegetables, cranberry and crackers,  and friendship. 

They wrote their thoughts on each feather, thoughts focusing on family and friends and this day.

Every year, the Swampscott Institute of Vocational Training for young invites friends from Transitional Programs in neighboring towns to celebrate the season and give thanks, said Patricia Gorham, director of the IVY program.

The students are teens and young adults learning social and vocational skills that will serve them as they move into their adult lives.

The students look forward to the feast each year, said Caitlin Curry, special education teacher in the Salem Transition program, and Mrs. Wales, lead teacher for the Marblehead High transition program.

Student Mary Cuffe said she is thankful for friends and family, her mom and sister and dog buddy.

Lizzy Leverone is also thankful for her friends and family and her two jobs.

One of her jobs is at the YMCA in Marblehead and the other at the Veterans Middle School, also in Marblehead.