High Life : A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Most Are Thankful for Family, Friends

Although Thanksgiving Day commemorates the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony in 1621, it was 168 years later that President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 26, 1789.

The custom was revived by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, and in 1941 Congress decreed that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November.

Besides being thankful for a four-day weekend, Hot Topics asks, “For what in your life do you feel most grateful?”

“My family, because that’s basically all I have. Everything else is materialistic.” Jennifer Park, 15, sophomore, Kennedy

“That I’m allowed to walk with my own two feet where I want to go while saying all the outspoken things that I want to anyone who stands in my way.” Karen Milner, 17, senior, Ocean View

“The learning experience I have gained from having fun. I have also learned to treasure the morals and values that people have displayed for me by interacting with each other.” Lusa Hung, 15, sophomore, Valencia

“My parents, for all the support they have given me.” Travis Rasmussen, 18, senior, Servite

“The opportunity to live each day in a peaceful safe environment, without the worries of poverty and pain.” Susan Anderson, 16, junior, Dana Hills

“The willingness of my family to make sacrifices in order for me to have an excellent private education.” Barbara Brunet, 18, senior, Rosary

“For living in the United States. I have traveled a lot, and I have seen the lack of freedom that people around the world have.” Soraya Hussain, 16, junior, Loara

“For my family and friends.” Sheri Van Billiard, 15, sophomore, Orange Lutheran

“My little sister, because no matter how bummed out I am, she can always make me smile.” Shiras Corella, 15, sophomore, Mission Viejo

“Connelly; it is why I get up in the morning.” Erin Dowling, 14, freshman, Connelly

“For my great-grandma Loney, who is the best person in the world. She has so much knowledge it’s unbelievable. She has taught me how to knit, sew, plant and many other things. I realize that it’s a blessing to have her alive.” Aiyana Nash, 13, freshman, Sonora

“My friends who influence as well as inspire me to live life to its fullest and to ultimately reach the goal of having the most fun possible.” Kelly Crean, 18, senior, Santa Margarita

“I’m thankful I don’t have to stand on the corner holding a ‘will work for food’ sign.” Jim Norris, 16, junior, Pacifica

“My security, health, friends who support me in all I do, and for the special talents I was given.” Jill Jackson, 17, senior, El Toro

“That in 17 years of life, my lungs have already adapted to the smog of Southern California so that it doesn’t bother me as much anymore.” Matt Freeman, 17, senior, Woodbridge

“My Christian school, where I’m free to worship God.” Amanda Mahlow, 18, senior, Calvary Chapel

“I’m grateful for my grandma. When my mom and dad got divorced, we moved in with my grandma. She bought my clothes, food and became my best friend.” Brenda Mosley, 16, junior, Bolsa Grande

“My health; I volunteer at CHOC and work with cancer patients and other children who are not as fortunate.” Sarah Yi, 16, sophomore, Villa Park

“For having 10 toes, because my grandfather got a few of his cut off, and it just bothers me.” Anne Biahewas, 16, junior, Fullerton

“My best friend, because she understands me more than my family. She’s someone I can rely on.” Maricar Laugato, 15, sophomore, Kennedy

“The all-female environment that my school provides and everything I gain from that privilege.” Jhanelle Heimann, 15, sophomore, Rosary

“My brother being born.” Loren Thurston, 14, freshman, Dana Hills

“School; what else could I possibly spend my time doing?” Laura Schiesl, 15, sophomore, Mission Viejo

“My faith; I’m glad Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and that I am bought and paid for, and I plan to follow Him wherever He leads me.” Christina Anderson, 14, freshman, Sonora

“That I don’t have to live a life of poverty, and that I live in comfortable conditions in which my parents support me.” Wendy Co, 16, sophomore, Pacifica

“That I’m a senior and almost out of high school.” Katie Owens, 18, senior, Ocean View

“My mother and my boyfriend; they are the most loving and giving people. They can talk to me if I have a problem. I love them.” Heather Vidaurri, 16, sophomore, Bolsa Grande

“For the fact that I live in a country where I am free to worship and participate in any religious activity.” Stacy Roberts, 15, sophomore, Villa Park

“My family, because of what they have taught me and what they have given me.” Misty Obester, 17, senior, Connelly

“Being healthy and out of the hospital after 88 operations.” Homer Nahaffey, 17, senior, Loara

“Computers; life would not be life without them.” Jose Cervantes, 15, sophomore, Calvary Chapel

“For having good friends to support me when I’m down.” Jesse Cash, 16, junior, Fullerton

“My health; without it, life wouldn’t be the same.” Julie Nguyen, 16, junior, El Toro

“My life, health, family, friends, and for God.” Ann Metchikian, 16, junior, Woodbridge

“My family and friends because they are always there for me.” Jennifer Seidman, 17, senior, Valencia

“Me; if I were not here, I could not even consider this question.” Jeff Yin, 17, senior, Servite

Next Week’s Hot Topic: To whom do you first turn to for emotional support?