To celebrate November as the month of gratitude, the Pepper Bough has invited staff, students, and community members to answer that traditional Thanksgiving Dinner table question: “What are you grateful for?”

“I am grateful for my cat Thom, my dogs Hunter, Beary, and Lady, and my mother—along with her favorite inflatable turkey Gavin. I’m grateful for my sister making me coffee every night, and my dad for throwing the trash out at the wrong times. I’m also very grateful for all my bandmates, who help me straighten my hat and plume every time I ask, “Is my hat straight?”—and not beating me up or knocking me out for asking it too much.”

—Erin Dallatorre, Grade 10

“I am grateful for all my friends and my family because they all make me feel great. And also because of them I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

—Emmanuel Ramos, Grade 9

“I am thankful for everything . . . the most is my friends, they’ve always been there for me whenever I needed them for anything.”

—Joseline Ortega Delgado, Grade 9

“I am thankful for my computer—that thing brought me entertainment for all of 2021. I am also grateful for my consoles; just as the P.C., those things have given me entertainment for all of my life.  I am also grateful for my parents—they brought me into this world as well as feed me, buy the things I want and need, and care for me. Finally, I am thankful for my dog. He’s been with me since elementary school. I have had him for 7 years now and I love that dog. I don’t know what to do without him, that is all.”

—Alexander Cespedes Montiel, Grade 9

“I am grateful for having hardworking parents who provide for me.”

—Jicell Gutierrez Urenda, Grade 10

“I’m grateful for the philosophers who tell us not to stray to the path of the sinners.”

—Misael Terriquez, Grade 10

“I am grateful for my mom and my Wah Wah, and for all the sacrifices that they have made for me, my sisters, and my dad.”

—Briana McMullen, Grade 9

“I am grateful for my family and friends who push me everyday to be a better version of myself. I am also grateful for my many sports coaches of CHS who drive me to push through to be a better teammate and also a better citizen of the city of Colton.”

—Myles Garza, Grade 11

“I am grateful for the friends I have made throughout high school that have accepted me and helped me grow as a person.”

—Sadie Larios, Grade 12

“I am grateful for all the blessings I’ve received this year.”

—Samantha Reynoso, Grade 10