The week before Thanksgiving Break, the gym became the heart of campus life. On Thursday evening, the space was transformed into a full concert venue—lights glowing across the crowd, instruments lined up on the stage, and families, friends, and peers filling every row of chairs. You could feel the energy building as students tuned guitars, adjusted amps, checked their mics, and exchanged nervous smiles before stepping into the spotlight.

Six music ensemble classes took the stage, each performing three to four songs they had been rehearsing all semester. Ensembles at Mid-Pen mix students from every grade level, creating a blend of experience and curiosity, especially for those performing on stage for the very first time. Under the guidance of music teacher Jameson Swanagon, the groups spent months building their sound together, learning how to trust one another, and finding the confidence to perform as a unified band.

The result was extraordinary. The audience heard everything from Billie Eilish to The Eagles, played with impressive guitar riffs, beautiful harmonies, and high notes that echoed across the gym. The performances felt less like a high school concert, and more like attending a professional show. For many students, this was a milestone night, one that sparked pride and a whole lot of celebration.

Less than 24 hours later, the gym shifted once again. The stage stayed up, but the rows of seats were replaced with round tables draped in Thanksgiving decor. The entire student body gathered for our annual Thanksgiving Talent Show and community meal, with plates of turkey and mashed potatoes from Harry’s Hofbrau filling the room with the unmistakable scent of the holiday.

Seniors Mike L. ’26 and Baz D. ’26 emceed the show, keeping everyone laughing with quick jokes and playful roasts of the staffulty between performances. The audience heard a Japanese pop performance from Saoirse D. ’26, a stunning Italian opera solo from Claire C. ’26, and even watched Athletics Director Kurt Lange join Jameson and Baz for a performance of All the Best by John Prine. Lesly’s Core performed a Wicked-ly funny skit, and in a moment that could only happen at Mid-Pen, student Lucy R. ’28 brought the crowd to life by eating an entire lemon on stage!

These moments—supportive, silly, heartfelt, and creative—are Mid-Pen 101. They show what happens when students feel known, encouraged, and free to be themselves.

It was the perfect way to send everyone off into the weeklong break, full of music, gratitude, and the warmth of being part of a community that shows up for one another.