For the past 8 years, BCNY Board Member, Dean Poll, has opened up The Boathouse at Central Park to treat BCNY members and their families to a special Thanksgiving dinner.
This year, there were over 125 BCNY boys in attendance, celebrating the holiday with their parents, grandparents, and BCNY staff including Executive Director, Stephen Tosh.
The night's festivities, comprised of exciting door prizes and a dazzling magic show, all led up to the big event: the announcement of this year's winning writer. Each year, boys of all ages from Abbe, Gerry and Harriman clubhouses, compete in a holiday writing contest. This year’s topic, “What Thanksgiving Means to Me,” brought out some of the event's most moving pieces yet. All placing contestants were honored with awards, with first place winners receiving the added prestige of sharing their stories aloud. Cesar, a Gerry Clubhouse Explorer, and first place winner in his age group, shared a moving piece about the gratitude he felt for family, “you may say I am especially grateful for having [my grandma], she has become like a second mom to me.” To read Cesar's essay in its entirety, click on the pdf attachment here.
The night was a beautiful reminder of how important it is to come together with family and friends not only for the holidays, but also to celebrate academic achievement. Thank you, Mr. Dean Poll, for so graciously providing this opportunity to the BCNY community.
Click on the photo above to view the entire slideshow
