The Knox Learning Center, operated by the Knox Educational Service Center (ESC), held its annual Thanksgiving feast on November 18. The event brought together students, staff, parents, and community members at the alternative K-12 school located in the former Mount Vernon West Elementary building.
Art teacher Kim Aritonovich, who has coordinated the event for 11 years, described the atmosphere of the gathering. “It’s love. It’s sharing. It’s caring. We served about 230 meals. Many parents joined their children to eat in classrooms or the commons area. Other meals were prepared as carryout for students’ families who chose to pick them up,” Aritonovich said.
Aritonovich began organizing the meal six weeks before the event and received donations from local businesses including Lanning’s Foods, Baker’s IGA, Southside Diner, and individual donors. Meal preparation at the school used eight dozen eggs and 35 pounds of flour. Students and staff contributed canned goods and helped prepare side dishes at school while staff members cooked turkeys at home.
“The kids were involved,” Aritonovich said. “Some took turns cutting noodles. Each classroom made decorations.
“It’s so important because for some students this is the only traditional Thanksgiving meal they will have.”
Superintendent Dr. Timm Mackley reflected on the unique environment of the Learning Center after leading Knox ESC for 16 years. “I’ve been in a lot of schools during my 52 years in education, but the Learning Center is the tightest-knit school I have been involved with,” Mackley said. “Planning, preparing and serving the Thanksgiving meal shows the respect and love we have for our students. It’s an opportunity to do something nice for them and invite their parents to participate.”
Mackley emphasized that students succeed at the Learning Center because staff dedicate time and attention to each one: “We are proud that students who were unable to find success elsewhere can find it here.”
Afterward, leftover food was donated to the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Reflecting on her role in organizing the event each year, Aritonovich said, “I hope that Thanksgiving here is a happy memory the kids will always have.”
