ACHS Titans step up to the mic to share Thanksgiving gratitude
Hallway microphone invites students and staff to reflect on gratitude
As families across the city prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table Thursday, members of the Alexandria City High School community are already counting their blessings—one microphone at a time.
In the spirit of the season, ACHS set up a camera and microphone in a school hallway with a simple invitation: step up and share what you’re grateful for. The sign beckoned passersby to pause from their busy school day and reflect on the people and moments that matter most.
And reflect they did.
The resulting video, “Celebrating Gratitude at Alexandria City High School (ACHS),” was posted to social media and the school’s YouTube channel on November 21. It captures Titans of all kinds—students and staff alike—offering heartfelt responses about gratitude.
Dr. Pierrette Finney, Chief Academic Officer for Alexandria City Public Schools, expressed appreciation for the entire school community.
“I am grateful for all of our students, staff, and families,” she said. “You are the heart of ACPS, and you make us proud, and we are happy to serve you.”
For staff members, the opportunity to shape young lives emerged as a common theme.
“I’m super grateful to be able to teach music to all these kids,” one music teacher shared.
“My job, working with kids, it’s been a blessing just being able to be a mentor to them,” another staff member added.
One employee thanked the school system directly: “I would like to say that I am very grateful for my employment and helping to shape the youth of ACPS lives. Thank you ACPS for all you do for our students.”
The essential role of support staff also received recognition.
“I’m so grateful for all my support students, staff here,” one staff member said. “Without them, this building would fall. They are the glue.”
A security staff member expressed gratitude for their daily purpose: “Being able to wake up the next day for security. Keep them safe and keep them in class.”
Students stepping up to the microphone reflected on friendships, education, and opportunity.
“I’m grateful for my friends and everything I got in school. I’m grateful for my grades, too,” one student said.
Another student spoke about the doors education can open: “I’m grateful for school, you know, the education. I can go to college, create my own businesses.”
Access to higher education resonated with others as well.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to go to college without having to spend any money,” one student shared.
The sense of community at ACHS itself drew appreciation.
“I’m thankful for my wonderful community here at Alexandria City High School,” a student said.
One staff member summed up the spirit of the day: “I just want to say I’m grateful for being a part of this great school community, Alexandria City High School. Also, too, I’m grateful just being alive and just being well. Good health and strength.”
A group of staff members shared collective gratitude: “We are grateful for waking up today from the love. We are grateful for just being able to be in the building together, work amongst each other and be a great team.”
And as the camera rolled in that ACHS hallway, one student left a simple message that captured the heart of the season.
“I’m grateful for all my friends. I’m grateful for all my parents and my teachers,” the student said. “I love y’all and I’m really hopeful y’all gonna have good Thanksgiving.”
Video: Celebrating Gratitude at Alexandria City High School (ACHS)