As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to recognize that this year hasn’t been easy for everyone. Many of us have faced challenges, losses, and unexpected changes. Still, moments of gratitude—big or small—can remind us of what carries us forward. The quotes below reflect what people are thankful for this year, in their own words.

“I’m thankful for having a job to go to where I can find joy even when things get tough,” said English teacher Kent Frankfother.

“I’m thankful for water,” said Morton student Pablo Rodriguez.

“I’m thankful for my family and chicken,” said Morton student Antony Oliver.

“Estoy agradecida por el amor de mi familia y que también comamos juntos. También estoy agradecida por mis dos maravillosos perros,” dijo la estudiante de segundo año de Morton East, Crisol Moreno.

“I am thankful for my fun cousins and my wonderful, loving boyfriend who’s always there for me,” said Morton East senior Jovanica Serrano.

“I am thankful for waking up every single day. I’m also grateful for my students and my family,” said teacher Tony Asay.

“I am thankful for my family, my education, and my girlfriend,” said a Morton East security staff member.

“I’m thankful for all of the great memories I made this year,” said senior student Samantha Suarez.

“I’m thankful for the loved ones I have around me,” said senior student Cassandra Hernandez.

“I am thankful for my friends and my little brother, who are always there and supportive,” said senior student Andrea Molina.

“I’m most thankful for my family. Especially during these times, it’s important,” said senior Angel Guerra.

“Something I’m grateful for is my family and friends,” said senior Adrian Gutierez.

“I’m thankful for my siblings and cousins, really all my family,” said junior Mariah Gonzales.

“I am mostly thankful for my family,” said senior Ailyn Mora.

“Thankful for school, thankful for life, thankful to have friends, and thankful to be able to wake up every day,” said senior Diego Rivas Ramos.

“Thankful to be able to dance, thankful for cookies, thankful for family and friends, thankful to be busy, thankful to be educated, thankful to have both my parents and a healthy relationship with them, thankful for having a car, thankful to be able to drive, and thankful to be able to speak my mind,” said senior Mia Palacios.

“I’m thankful for my mom because she always puts in a lot of work for my future,” said junior Mia Flores.

“I’m thankful for my mom because she’s always been there for me since the day I was born, and she’s always supportive no matter what I do or who I am. I’m also thankful for my closest friends because they are always there and always have my back. Lastly, I’m thankful for the Bears because not once have I doubted my team, and I finally have a sigh of relief that my team is currently number one in the NFC North,” said Imanol Salazar.

“Estoy agradecida por mi familia, mis amigos y por mi salud,” dijo la estudiante de último año de Morton East, Yesenia Rojo.

“I am thankful for my family, my friends, and my dog Fendi,” said Morton East junior Alizah Perez.

“I’m thankful for my friends and my family,” said Morton student Santiago Villafán.

“Estoy agradecido por mi fe en Dios y la bendición de estar vivo,” dijo el estudiante de Morton, Jovanni Peña.

“I’m thankful for my mom because she’s the best mom I could ever ask for and has always been there for me,” said senior Anthony Guzman.

“I am most thankful for my family,” said junior Naomy Firrros.

“I am most thankful for my mommy,” said junior Jocelyn Barron.

“I’m thankful for my family and friends,” said junior Maraya.

“I’m thankful for spending time with my family and friends,” said junior Eliso Olvora.

“I will be spending time with my in-laws in Michigan this Thanksgiving, and I am beyond grateful for my family and my community at Morton,” said teacher Ms. Alleana Austin.

“I am thankful for my faith, family, and friends, and I will be spending time with them in Kentucky this Thanksgiving. I’m truly thankful for that,” said senior Jovany Avitia-Peña.

“I’m thankful for my family and my health,” said Morton East student Sophia Siguinza.

“Estoy agradecida por mi familia, mi salud, mi trabajo, porque sin ellos no tuviera los lujos que tengo ahora,” said Morton East security staff member Liana Fernandez.

“I’m thankful for Adrian, y por mi familia y mi hermano,” said senior Osvaldo Chadez.

“I’m thankful for my life,” said junior Ernesto Gonzalez.

“I am thankful for my family,” said sophomore Aiden Barrera.

“I am thankful for my family,” said sophomore Manny Almanza.

“I am thankful for my family,” said junior Liliana Navarrete.

“I’m grateful for my family and my boyfriend,” said senior Gisselle Uribe.

“I’m grateful for having my family and having a job,” said junior Olivia Rodriguez.