During the 2024 Thanksgiving Break, Academy girls enjoyed a much-needed week of rest or adventure. Some girls used the break to travel either in the United States or out of the country, while some stayed at home. Here is a recap of some of the most notable destinations and traditions the girls experienced during this break.
Three Academy girls, Emma Hodgdon (‘26), Kara McPherson (‘26), and Maddie Growcock (‘26), all went to New York City coincidentally. They decided to all come together and make it a girl’s trip. They went shopping, ate at PopUp bagels, and walked around Central Park. Their favorite parts of the trip were eating at Serendipity and eating at Stardust Diner, where the waiters and waitresses sing and perform while customers eat.
“Getting to do all these things with my friends made it my favorite Thanksgiving trip I have ever gone on,” said Emma Hodgdon (‘26).
Sophomore, Cindy Gardner, traveled across the globe to London and Paris for an unforgettable family trip. Gardner started in London getting coffee at Blank Street coffee shop, which she said was her favorite place she ate. Then, in Paris, she went to the Eiffel Tower at night to watch it sparkle and said that was probably her overall favorite part of the entire trip. Her favorite city though was London where she liked the food and decorations the best.
“There were so many pretty Christmas lights and I loved hearing everyone’s accents and everyone there was very nice,” said Cindy Gardner (‘27).
Camille King (‘27) went to Melbourne, Florida, with all of her family, including, her aunt, uncle, and cousins. King said her favorite thing she ate was the Thanksgiving meal her family cooked, specifically the mac and cheese was her favorite. She said they did a lot of relaxing but also went into the hot tub occasionally to help with the cold weather.
“It was the perfect Thanksgiving break because I just got to relax and spend time with my family which was just what I needed,” said King (‘27).
Junior Madeline Morgan went to St. Thomas, Tortola, and the Bahamas during her break to escape the cold. Morgan said her favorite place she ate was in a boat in the middle of the ocean, where they cooked pizzas in front of the customers and used the salt water directly from the ocean. Her favorite place she went to was St. Thomas because that’s where they stayed the longest. Morgan said the beaches were the most memorable part, which included the clearness of the water, and all the activities like boating and jet skiing.
“I loved being in the tropical weather and leaving the cold, it felt like it was summer there and was so relaxing and much needed,” said Madeline Morgan (‘26).
A lot of girls, however, stayed home and did Friendsgiving, Mikayla Valdes (‘26) hosted all of her friends, and everyone brought a different kind of board which made for a fun celebration. The same goes for Adriana Trapuzzano (‘26), she and all of her friends came together to celebrate the holiday, listen to music, and eat their favorite foods. This was a great way for the girls who did not travel to come together and enjoy their friends’ company.
“I loved hosting all my friends, even though some were out of town, it was a great way for all of us to hang out and celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Valdes (‘26).
