Since the school was built eight years ago, Bovina Elementary school students have held a Thanksgiving tradition of their own, an annual program and feast for their friends and families.

Music teacher Jennifer Tillotson led a team of dozens of kindergarteners clad in turkey costumes last Thursday during the annual spectacle, which included a number of scores relating to Thanksgiving and being thankful for things like their country.

Tillotson said a lot of times kindergartners get nervous but that never seems to be an issue with the Thanksgiving program.

“Every year they just get so into it,” she said. “I think having the costumes and making all of this stuff really helps them focus and get excited.”

The backdrop of the scene included a huge teepee and colored pictures of turkeys and Thanksgiving paper bag crafts.

“They have made lots of (Thanksgiving) items,” she said. “They made placemats for their family members and they’ve made decorations.”

After the program, students and their families enjoy a meal together with the option of either pizza or meat and dressing.

“They go get their food, and they have a Thanksgiving feast here with their family,” she said. “And most of the time they check them out and take them home.”

“Mr. Turkey,” “I Eat Turkey,” “Hooray It’s Thanksgiving Day,” were among the musical notes presented at Thursday’s program, Tillotson said.

“I love music, and I love children,” she said. “I started teaching 23 years ago, and I love doing it. I will do it as long as I am physically able.”

Kindergartener Dawson Page, 5, said he had a lot of fun putting on the Thanksgiving program.

When asked what he was thankful for, Page said simply, “food.” and added he would be eating chicken for Thanksgiving. Page also said he was thankful for his family and his pet pigs.

Page said his favorite song was “God Bless America,” and this sentiment was echoed by classmate Avery Greer.

Greer, 6, also said she was thankful for her family and her dogs Duke and Jackson.

“My favorite part of Thanksgiving is when I get to eat,” she said, adding she was looking forward to turkey and dressing.