Thankful at Any Age
What Kids Can Teach Us About Being Thankful
By: Ryker Bush
The Ashland Beacon
As the holiday season approaches, there's a special kind of magic in the air—especially when we look to our children. Kids have an incredible ability to love, to give, and to embrace the world with open hearts. Their gratitude is pure and unfiltered, often focused on the simplest joys that adults may overlook. This season, it’s worth taking a moment to pay close attention to what our kids are thankful for, as their appreciation offers a valuable reminder of what truly matters—connection, kindness, and the joy of giving. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelmed by challenges, children’s big hearts can inspire us all to rediscover the true spirit of the season. Check out what students at Rose Hill Christian School are most thankful this holiday season…
Mrs. Bush’s K5 Class
“I'm most thankful for friends, because they make me happy.” - Charlie Justice, age 4
“I'm thankful for being at school, because I love Rose Hill.” - Lanye Trimble, age 5
“I am thankful for cleaning my dad’s car because his cars are always dirty.”
- Lamiyah Thurmer, age 6
“I'm most thankful for the toys my parents get me, because they love me.” - Mila Rice, age 5
Mrs. Akers First Grade Class
“I'm most thankful for God, because he died for our sins.” - Betsy Fitzgerald, age 6
“I'm most thankful for chicken, because I get to eat them.” - Eugene Treadway, age 6
“I'm more thankful for church, because I can learn about God.”- Vivian Calloway, age 6
“I'm most thankful for my parents, because they give me food.”- Liam Akers, age 7
Miss Smith’s Second Grade Class
“I'm most thankful for the chance to drive a train because it was my dream.” - Axl Lane, age 8
“I'm thankful for being able to ride my dirt bike because I can do cool tricks.”
- Thomas Freeman, age 7
“I'm thankful for my parents because they keep me safe.”- Jett Slater, age 7
“I'm thankful for my parents because they treat me well.”- Gracie Thiorion, age 7
Mrs. Smith’s Third Grade Class
“I'm thankful for my dirt bike from my dad for my birthday because it's cool.”
- Jesse Williams, age 9
“I'm thankful for my best friends because she's my first friend.”- Aaliyah Combs, age 9
“I'm thankful for the school because I get to learn and have fun.”- Jasper Mcwhorter, age 9
“I'm thankful for Aaliyah because she's my best friend.”- Rose Steel, age 8
Mrs. Ferguson's Fourth Grade Class
“I'm thankful for everything, because everything is a gift from God.”- Anna Perkins, age 9
“I'm thankful for my family because it's a gift God gave me.”- Madison Blankenship, age 9
“I'm thankful for my family because without them I wouldn't be here.”- Sadie Trimble, age 10
“I'm thankful for God, because he died for our sins and loves us.”- Breanna Parks, age 10
Mrs. Hortons Fifth Grade Class
“I'm thankful for my brother because he hasn't gotten sick yet.”- Alayna Hayes, age 10
“I'm thankful to Jesus Christ for dying for our sins.”- Elisha Smith, age 10
“I'm thankful for my teachers because they teach us.”- Oliver Lemaster, age 10
“I'm thankful for food because it's good.”- Caroline Evans, age 10
Sixth Grade
“I am most thankful for my mom, dad, and dog because they are funny.”- Jack Evans, age 12
“I am thankful for my dog.”- Zion Burch, age 11
“I am thankful for my mom, dad, food, and Mamaw and Papaw.”- Landon Greene, age 11
“I am thankful for my friends, family, and Jesus.”- Harper Greene, age 11
Seventh Grade
“I am thankful for my mom. She has fed me when I’m sick. She has stayed up all night with me when I’m scared. My mom has done everything for me. I love her to the moon and back. I am thankful for Mrs. White/Mom.”- Molly White, age 11
“I am very much thankful for Jesus and that he died for us, and we wouldn't be here if it weren't for him.” - Jace Chang, age 13
“I am very thankful for my family. They are always there for me and have my back. They will always love me. I love them.”- Alaine Newell, age 12
“I am thankful for my friends and family because they help me when I need something.”
- Weston Gravely, age 13
“What I’m thankful for is my family because they love me and support me in everything I do.”- Zoey Trimble, age 12
“I'm thankful for Jesus dying on the cross for me.”- Joel Callaway, age 12
Eight Grade
“I'm thankful for my mom. She's done everything for me. I'm also thankful for my best friend Izzy. She's always there when I need her.”- Sofie Davis, age 13
“I'm thankful for my best friends, Sofie Davis, and Andrew DeArmon. I'm thankful that I can be in a Christian Environment.”- Joseph Powers, age 13
“I'm thankful for my father, he has helped me through a lot of things, he is my best friend. He is always funny, and we love the same music.”- Kalie Harmon, age 13
“I am thankful for my best friend, Tegan Lewis. She has always been there for me, and I am so glad God made her my best friend.”- Bella Burch, age 13
Ninth Grade
“I am thankful for Anita, because she treats me like her own.”- Stevie Dyer, age 14
“I am thankful for my salvation, family, and my friends.”- Haydon Gravely, age 15
“I'm thankful for my Mamaw, because she is a really good cook and she's so sweet and nice.”- Kyle Hensley, age 14
“I'm thankful my grandparents adopted me, so I wasn't in a foster home.”
- Isabella Ratterre, age 14
Tenth Grade
“I am thankful for having a good school to go to.”- Alex Rice, age 15
“I am thankful for freedom of religion.”- Andrew Newell, age 16
“I am thankful for having the ability to push my limits because I can get stronger.”
- Aiden Chang, age 16
“I am thankful for my family because they have raised me.”- Ben Stevens, age 15
Eleventh Grade
“I’m thankful for my friends and guinea pigs because they make me happy.”
- Gracie Stevens, age 17
“I'm thankful for my life.”- Lakin Deerfield, age 17
“I am thankful for my teachers and all that they do for us.”- Koen Hensley, age 16
“I am thankful for my friends and family. Because they always lift me up.”
- William Swimm, age 16
Twelfth Grade
“I am thankful for my family because they help guide me in the right directions.”
- Avary Newell, age 17
“I am thankful for my family and friends. They listen to me and give me good advice.”
- Caden Hinkle, age 17
“I am most thankful for my parents, dog, and boyfriend because they make me feel happy.
”- Abigail Justus, age 17
“I am most thankful for my friends because they have helped me through some really tough times.”- Logan Ealey, age 17
As we enter this holiday season, it's important to remember that kids, no matter their age or grade, carry a boundless capacity for love, kindness, and joy. Their hearts are open, their spirits are bright, and their ability to find wonder in the simplest moments reminds us of what truly matters. Whether it's through their unfiltered generosity, their infectious enthusiasm, or their unspoken wisdom, there is so much we can learn from them. So, this holiday season, let’s embrace the pure-hearted lessons they offer and carry that warmth and compassion into our own lives, making this time of year even more meaningful for everyone.
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